Embracing cloud-based applications: A game changer for law firms
Managed IT · Jun 29, 2024
Working remotely became the new norm for most Canadian companies after 2020, and it’s no different for law firms, as even hearings are frequently held in a virtual setting. That’s where cloud-based applications can come as an important ally. They can provide numerous advantages to legal companies such as lowering the cost of maintaining proprietary infrastructure and helping law firms increase their storage space and quickly access data from a variety of devices.
Cloud solutions can help enhance efficiency, streamline operations, improve collaboration and help reduce operational costs. When migrating to the cloud, law firms can access their data and applications from any connected device, making it easier for lawyers to
work remotely
. This can be especially beneficial for firms with multiple locations or for lawyers who frequently travel.Law firms can reduce their reliance on costly on-premise servers and minimize the risk of data loss from hardware failures or natural disasters. Additionally, cloud solutions can provide robust security features like encryption, firewalls and intrusion detection systems to
help safeguard sensitive data
.Cloud-based solutions are also an enabler of team collaboration. Lawyers and staff can easily share documents, track changes and work together in real-time, regardless of their physical location. This seamless collaboration can lead to more efficient case management and better client outcomes.
When migrating to the cloud
Law firms usually have three major silos that need to find a place in the cloud: email, files and software applications. A serverless environment can provide scalability, accessibility and cost savings - but it can only be implemented once applications and files are hosted in the cloud.
Migrating emails is usually simpler, with minimal impact expected to daily operations, so this should be the first element to be prioritized. Next, consider migrating files and applications, to prevent any access or integration issues between new and old systems that will be now hosted in a virtual environment. Fortunately, cloud-based legal applications have become mainstream in the last few years, making it possible to integrate cloud-based file storage systems right after software applications are on the cloud.
Lawyers and staff are often concerned about
cybersecurity
in a cloud-based world and are understandably careful when it comes to hosting their clients’ confidential data on external locations, preferring to keep it on on-premise servers and server-based applications. However, cloud providers offer advanced security measures that, most of the time, surpass those in on-premise settings. 
Embracing cloud-based solutions can help enhance efficiency, collaboration and data security for law firms. The cloud is not just a trend - it’s a powerful tool that can help law firms thrive in the modern, remote-working world.
Why partner with TELUS Business
Why partner with TELUS Business
TELUS helped
JFK Law migrate to modern cloud-based applications
, starting with Microsoft 365, an email and document management system. The firm was able to modernize their operations, and the measures implemented also contributed to enhancing the law firm's cybersecurity, team communication and collaboration, productivity and operational efficiency.Specialized
IT support partner for law firms
can help migrate your firm’s applications, files and email platform seamlessly to the cloud.TELUS Business provides companies with day-to-day IT management and support, cybersecurity services, cloud migration and technology strategy. Our Virtual CIO team develops business-aligned IT strategies to drive impact and help you get a higher return on investment. We handle your IT for you so you can get back to doing what you do best.
Download
“Modernizing law firms’ operations: A guide to remote work and cloud solutions” to get practical advice on how to get started and discover how other firms are enabling remote work.
