TECH TALK
The Forecast for Legal Technology : Partly to Mostly Cloudy
Steven J . Best Affinity Consulting Group sbest @ affinityconsulting . com
Cloud Computing Defined Vagueness
Cloud computing is a rather vague term that covers several concepts . Within the scope of legal technology , it most often refers to Software As A Service (“ SAAS ”), but is not limited to the SAAS definition below . There are a ridiculous number of definitions of SAAS . One thing that is perfectly clear about cloud computing is that nothing actually happens in the clouds .
Software as a Service
Cloud Computing /" Software as a Service " ( SAAS ) is a software distribution model in which certain applications are hosted by a vendor or service provider and made available to customers over the Internet . Thus , in the SAAS model , the provider gives customers internet access to a licensed copy of their application .
Infrastructure / Desktop as a Service
Cloud computing may also be defined as the maintenance of a cloud based workspace that provides you the flexibility to work from anywhere , on any web-enabled device while also ensuring that all users have access to the most up to date version of the software you need . Traditional software and data reside in a data center ( on what are essentially traditional servers ) that maintain high levels security and fail-safe procedures . You simply connect via a secure internet connection from anywhere you are ; applications run just like they would on your desktop computer .
The SAAS Model Advantages of Software as a Service ( SAAS )
1 . UP FRONT COST : The marketing strategy of most cloud computing providers is to heavily stress that there is little or no upfront cost to using their cloud based system . Thus , there are no servers to purchase and setup , there is normally no extra equipment to buy ;
2 . OPERATING SYSTEM AGNOSTIC : Most , if not all , SAAS solutions will work on a Windows or Mac operating system , work on tablets and smart phones ;
3 . UPDATES & SUPPORT : Most SAAS providers include tech support and updates in your monthly fee ;
4 . BACKUP : Because you are not " hosting " the data on one of your firm ' s computers , the SAAS provider is usually 100 % responsible for all data backups . However , you should also ask if you may back up your data into a format that other programs could essentially read on data import ( Excel , CSV ), and be wary of any company that says no ;
5 . LOGIN FROM ANYWHERE / ANYTIME : Frequently , the driving factor behind firms seeking to move to a SAAS model for software is the idea / concept that anyone with credentials , can log into the system from anywhere there is a high-speed internet connection at any time . While this is a fantastic concept , the SAAS model is not the only way that you can have
14 November 2017