Legal technology tips #2: Problems of the old school technology models
We’re continuing our ‘Legal technology tips’ blog series with an overview of the reasons why old school in-house software is riskier to businesses than new model cloud systems.
As set out briefly in our first blog, the approach way-back-when was hosting software and managing data on your own infrastructure, looked after by internal IT staff. The industry regulator, Solicitors Regulation Authority, at one stage recommended this type of set up and warned against cloud systems on the basis of supposedly carrying less risk.
In fact, it’s actually the reverse – in-house software poses much greater risk than cloud offerings along with presenting a plethora of other issues, not least:
Weakened security
Due to its location and absolute onus on you to perform regular back ups, there’s greater susceptibility for data loss and security breaches.
Unavoidable downtime
If your server suffers a technical glitch, your systems grind to a standstill, interrupting business continuity.
Heavy financial outlay
A 50-user firm could initially pay up to £170,000 with ongoing 30% perpetual licence costs.
Restricted flexibility
Users can only work on their laptop or PC in the office, and you can’t adjust licences easily in line with staffing adjustments.
Fixed storage capacity
If you outgrow your storage, it’s a further infrastructure investment to increase capacity.
Unnecessary office space
Offices come at a cost premium, and many firms are moving to hybrid working so it’s not always possible to accommodate a rack or server room.
Limited IT manpower
SMEs particularly are unlikely to employ dedicated IT managers and directors so lack expertise to manage IT successfully.