Talking Points: Cloud Software Delivers Unprecedented Interoperability

Most law firm data and information is “siloed.”  What I mean by that is that most law firm software is not able to ‘talk’ to each other.  In other words, data cannot be effectively pushed into or out of systems.  This is most always true of premise-based systems.  But, it can also be the case with cloud-based softwares, which can be directly connected, but is often not linked by law firms.

One of the best reasons to shift to cloud-based software (or, more cloud-based software) is that cloud systems, by means of a secure internet connection, can pass data back and forth.  That’s why, for example, law practice management software is so useful as a hub for law firm operations, because you can add and aggregate data from other systems into it, allowing you to select a client or matter and see, more or less, a complete rendering of the history of that case.  And, while that concept works particularly well in the construct of case management software, interoperability between cloud softwares works pretty well everywhere, every time.

The question is which systems you want to connect (as many as possible), and what data flows from one to the other.  With existing software integrations built via an API, that is largely built for you.  Data points are set up, and push back and forth; shared features are carved out; operations are available in one system that affect the other.  Without an API-based integration built directly by two companies working together to achieve that, you can still connect cloud softwares, either by using a bridge tool, like Zapier, or by hiring a software development company to build you your own integration.

Whether you use an existing integration, cobble one together via Zapier or build your own, the ability to connect cloud systems, and to effectively share data, adds significantly to your efficiency, which is increasingly important in a work from home world, and is probably the single most important factor related to law firm revenue.

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Whether you’re just getting started with the cloud or maximizing its efficiency, we can help you to get the most out of your technology platform.

The Wyoming State Bar offers free law practice management consulting services through Red Cave Law Firm Consulting.

To request a consult, visit the Wyoming State Bar’s law practice management page, and start running your law firm like a business.

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