Ultimate Guide to Using ProLaw in the Cloud

Ultimate Guide to Using ProLaw in the Cloud

Has your law firm put in place the right tools to help lawyers respond to clients as effectively and promptly as possible? Does the technology stack you use in your firm help you survive and thrive in this economy? Now more than ever, your law firm needs to have ProLaw.

ProLaw is a Law Practice Management software that has been in use for years. The software provides a platform for you to manage every aspect of your law firm. Its design is such that everyone in your law firm can use it with ease and convenience. ProLaw allows you to automate tasks like

• Client and contact management
• Calendaring
• Billing
• Document management
• Time and expense management
• Case management

By embracing the tool, your law firm can break the chains of using expensive in-house servers. It also becomes easier to manage your IT department while empowering your team to work from anywhere. This guide is for any law firm with 10 or more team members that wants to explore using ProLaw in the cloud.

ProLaw and the Cloud

The cloud has been beneficial to both small and midsize law firms. However, when looking for the reliability, mobility, and security of the cloud, some law firms assume that they can only enjoy these benefits by abandoning their software and moving to a web-based software application. Unfortunately, many web-based law practice management applications are bare-bones and are watered-down by comparison.

On the contrary, ProLaw is robust and objectively helps law firms achieve more than web-based software does. Some firms have moved from the platform to web-based alternatives, only to be disappointed by the move. Eventually, they have no choice but to switch back to ProLaw.

One advantage with ProLaw is that you can still keep the software you are used to and yet enjoy using the cloud in a ProLaw hosting solution.

The ProLaw workspace provides you with a simplified web-based interface to the ProLaw database. This way, power users can take advantage of the robust desktop application, and users who need the basic functions can use the simplified interface. ProLaw still requires you to move it to a private cloud or on-premise servers when using it from a web browser.

Benefits of ProLaw on the Cloud

Many law firms have realized that business is better in the cloud, and ProLaw is no exception. But you probably might be wondering why the software is better in the cloud.

First, the cloud offers you the best of both worlds by bringing accessibility, mobility, and security. ProLaw provides you with a rich and comprehensive platform to manage your cases, clients, accounting, and documents. By bringing both together, you can enjoy the benefits of the cloud while keeping the robust software your firm is used to.

• ProLaw takes away the pain of managing IT systems and servers
• With ProLaw, your team can work from anywhere
• Having your systems and software on the cloud enhances data security and ensures compliance.
• The software is compatible with Windows and Macs.
• It provides more reliability and less downtime.
• The cloud is flexible and scalable.
• The total cost of ownership is more affordable in a private cloud.
• The cloud allows for the centralization of data, enabling your team to work from anywhere.

How to Move ProLaw to the Cloud

You already know the benefits of having your ProLaw software in the cloud and how it functions, but how do you move it to the cloud? The process is best handled by your trusted Cloud Service Provider, but can also be done by software consultants, IT consultants, or cloud hosting providers.

Step 1: Onboarding the Project Manager

Just like with other well-managed projects, migrating your ProLaw software should begin with establishing a single contact point. The project manager, also known as the Onboarding Manager, should start the project by clearly defining the expectations and communicating the next steps. This will remove any uncertainty within the team concerning the path that lies ahead. The manager should provide specific times and spell out how the entire team should participate.

Step 2: Discovery 

A good cloud service provider should provide you with a well-defined and documented process for the transition. They should not use a copy-paste method, as no two law firms are alike. The discovery process is crucial as it helps in the assessment of the current environment to establish:

• The inventory of software to be moved to the cloud
• The firm’s internet speed
• The inventory of network devices and peripherals
• Email accounts and settings
• The data and documents inventory
• Third-party logins, services, and accounts

Step 3: Set Up a private Cloud

The next step is for your ProLaw hosting provider to begin creating a private cloud environment. The process should have a clear outline to make the migration fast and easy. The Onboarding Manager and the technical team will install the software, ensuring that your email accounts are in place and working as they should. They will also build a shell of the complete system by:

• Provisioning virtual servers
• Setting up your file systems and the necessary permissions
• Setting up user profiles or virtual desktops
• Thoroughly testing the new cloud environment
• Installing your firm’s software

Step 4: Going Live 

The next step is for your provider to start collecting data from current locations. They will move every element of your firm’s technology bit by bit, including:

• The file system, folders, and files
• Each application, including ProLaw
• The email mailboxes and distribution groups
• Utility functions like DNS, print servers, and DHCP

This physical transfer process should be smooth and seamless, with all data finding its way to the new cloud platform. The Onboarding Manager and his team will then test every application, computer, and peripherals to ensure they work as they should. The more flexible your provider is in scheduling the cutover, the less the likelihood that you will have prolonged downtime.

Step 5: Training and Ongoing Support 

Regardless of your best intentions, ProLaw won’t work effectively on the cloud if users don’t know what to do with it. This is why your provider must schedule to train your entire staff and provide the necessary support. The Onboarding Manager, who technically owns the migration, should also be in the front line, helping with training and sealing any existing loopholes.

The process does not end at migration and training. A provider must have a robust system for “on-demand” support and account management. With these in place, you have the assurance that your firm has support beyond the regular technical needs and a truly reliable partner.

Are You Ready to Move ProLaw to the Cloud?

You now have a sense of how ProLaw works in the cloud and how moving the software to the cloud can benefit your company. If you’re still on the fence about taking this step, you’re missing out on enhancing the efficiency of your firm. Take this bold step today and see your firm scale to the next level in productivity and client satisfaction.

At Lan Infotech, we have a team that can help you set up ProLaw in the cloud. Call us today, and let’s talk about this and other IT services we can provide for your business in South Florida.

Michael Goldstein

LAN Infotech is a Microsoft Cloud Services Provider, IT Managed Support company and a leader in helping law firms, nonprofits and medical organizations deploy cloud solutions, manage computer networks, keep data protected and top technology management company. Businesses like yours need technology support to run highly-effective organizations.