As a leading provider of legal practice management software, PracticeEvolve understands the importance of choosing the right cloud solution for your law firm. With the increasing popularity of cloud solutions in the legal industry, it’s essential to select software that not only meets your firm’s immediate needs but will support your growth strategy in the years to come.
Cloud solutions are available in three formats: hosted, cloud-based, and cloud-native, however, they differ in how they are built, how they are accessed, and how they function. Let’s take a closer look at the standard functionality of each cloud solution for legal practice management software:
Cloud hosted:
Cloud-hosted software is a software solution that has one or more components hosted on third-party servers.
- Installation: Data is stored on third-party servers as well as copied on the local computer or server, which can be less secure and less accessible compared to cloud-based solutions.
- Data storage: Data is stored locally on the computer or server, which can be less secure and less accessible compared to cloud-based solutions.
- Accessibility: Access to the software is limited to the computer or server on which it is installed.
- Upgrades: Upgrades to the software must be performed manually, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Cloud-based:
Cloud-based software is a cloud solution that is accessed through a web browser. Here’s how it compares in the following categories:
- Installation: Cloud-based software is accessed through a web browser and does not require installation on a local computer or server.
- Data storage: Data is stored in the cloud, which is more secure and more accessible compared to desktop-hosted solutions.
- Accessibility: Cloud-based software is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, which is convenient for users who need to access the software from remote locations.
- Upgrades: Upgrades to the software are performed automatically by the vendor, which eliminates the need for manual upgrades and reduces the cost and time associated with upgrading the software.
Cloud-native:
Cloud-native software is a cloud solution that is built from the ground up to take advantage of cloud technology. Here’s how it compares in the following categories:
- Installation: Cloud-native software is built specifically for the cloud and is accessible through a web browser.
- Data storage: Data is stored in the cloud, which is more accessible compared to desktop-hosted solutions.
- Accessibility: Cloud-native software is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, which is convenient for users who need to access the software from remote locations.
- Upgrades: Upgrades to the software are performed automatically by the vendor, which eliminates the need for manual upgrades and reduces the cost and time associated with upgrading the software.
- Scalability: Cloud-native software is designed to scale dynamically, which allows the software to easily handle large amounts of data and users.
In summary, cloud-based and cloud-native legal practice management software offer greater accessibility, data security, and ease of upgrade compared to desktop-hosted solutions. However, the specific features and functionality offered by each type of software will vary depending on the vendor and the solution.
Don’t let your law firm fall behind in the digital age – choose the right cloud solution for your practice with PracticeEvolve. Build on best-in-class cloud technology, our legal practice management software offers the functionality and flexibility your firm needs to stay competitive. Contact us today to learn more about our cloud solutions and how they can benefit your firm. Don’t wait – make the switch to cloud technology and take your law firm to the next level.
