Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/98946
Our Firm's Journey to the Cloud couldn't act as a replacement for our document management system. We were unable to acquire a specific document indicating our data would reside in the U.S., so the data would be held under the jurisdiction of the country in which it resided, and we wouldn't be able to control the preservation of the documents required by our clients. We didn't want to risk our clients' data residing in an unknown location. We ultimately decided on a hosted Exchange 2010 solution with Intermedia and Mimecast that is policy-based as a way of producing and archiving our security and email continuity via the cloud. The client is Outlook, which allowed users to adopt easily. We had no training issues, but it took time and patience to migrate to our hosted Exchange from our on-premise version. The ability to use Outlook 2010, Lync and hosted SharePoint gives us what Google offered and more. This solution also provides a score of thirdparty providers and legal vendors to assist us. Dot Your "I's" As you begin your journey to the cloud, be sure to do your due diligence on the security of your proposed cloud provider. Keep in mind your migration strategy as you move from on-premise servers, and create a test before you sign on the dotted line. You need to know that your data can move in and also move out. Testing is important and needs to be included in your overall cost analysis. In addition, when considering the cost, be sure to include your change management projections. Finally, think of the scalability of your office. Make sure the technology you choose can grow along with your firm. Cloud technology was the right choice for our firm. Is it right for yours? WITH CLOUDS, COME RAIN While considering cloud technologies, be aware of some setbacks. Cloud technologies are designed to be broad connections for all types of businesses, but the legal profession has some very specific needs involving security. The customization needed by a law firm can be costly in the development stage, and there are limits to the type of code on which virtual environments can be developed. While cloud technology providers take care of the maintenance of their servers and software updates, they cannot control the complexities of our clients and the add-ins we use day-to-day. The options available with cloud technologies may not allow for the opportunity to tweak frequently. For example, I don't have owner rights to the top-level Public Folder any longer, which takes away the constant tweaking I was able to do with our on-premise server. And since cloud functionality is constrained to an Internet connection, a separate redundant Internet connection is required in order to minimize downtime. ILTA White Paper 9