Benefits Of Cloud Technology: Why Has Its Use Accelerated?

Cloud technology has revolutionised how businesses operate by providing access to powerful software and services over the internet. Latest figures suggest that over 88 per cent of UK businesses use cloud-based services to carry out their daily activities. Still, the legal industry was initially hesitant to fully adopt this trend, with reservations such as protecting and controlling confidential client data and uncertainty about adapting to different working processes.

However, increasing numbers of law firms now recognise the benefits of cloud-based solutions. One of the biggest catalysts for this change in mindset was in response to the national lockdowns during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Firms quickly needed to adopt remote working and collaboration solutions to ensure the continuation of service to clients. Fast forward to the present, and firms realise that cloud technology solutions are not just a fashionable nice-to-have but are a crucial necessity that can improve efficiency and collaboration, lower costs, and provide enhanced compliance and data security.

Furthermore, it is expected that along with the flexibility of remote working practices becoming more commonplace, there will be an increased expectation to interact with a judge and court directives via the virtual sharing of court documents (such as e-bundles) and the use of remote mediations, and hearings will continue to accelerate.

So, what is Cloud Computing, and what are some of the main benefits? Below we give a quick rundown of different types of cloud technology and some of its main benefits.

Cloud computing is a term that describes the delivery of computing services over the internet. These services include storage, processing power, applications, and other resources a physical computer or server usually provides.

There are different cloud computing services, each with unique features and benefits. The three most common types of cloud computing services are:

• SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) – is a service model where software applications are licensed and delivered to customers online. It is a pay-as-you-go method, meaning customers only pay for what they use. This type of cloud computing is ideal for businesses that require access to software programs and applications without the need for expensive hardware or infrastructure.

• IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) – is a service model that delivers IT infrastructures such as servers, storage, and networking over the internet. It allows businesses to scale their resources up or down depending on their needs. This type of cloud computing is ideal for businesses that require a high level of control over their IT infrastructure.

• PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) – is a service model offering hardware and software to end-users. In this type of cloud computing, clients will develop, run, and manage their own applications without needing to build their infrastructures. PaaS is ideal for businesses that require a platform to develop and deploy their applications quickly and easily.

As technology advances and traditional fears of the cloud abate, many industries are starting to recognise the benefits of cloud computing. The legal industry is no exception, and more and more firms are beginning to explore the potential advantages that cloud computing can offer. From increased efficiency and meeting compliance requirements to cost savings, many justifications exist for adopting cloud technology in the legal sector. These are some of the main benefits we have seen:

• Cost-effective: Cloud technology eliminates the need for businesses to invest in expensive hardware or infrastructure, which can be costly to purchase and maintain. Instead, businesses can pay for only what they use, which makes it a more cost-effective solution.

• Collaboration & Accessibility: Cloud technology allows multiple users to access the same data and applications simultaneously, facilitating collaboration and teamwork within a business. Cloud technology also allows businesses to access their data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection, meaning that employees can work remotely or from different locations, which can increase productivity and efficiency.

• Security: Cloud technology provides businesses with a secure storage and backup solution for their data, meaning that businesses can protect their data from loss or theft and ensure it is always available when needed.

Please get in touch if you would like find out more about our electronic bundle creation and trial presentation software in the Cloud, or any other services.

To get in touch with our team, please email info@xbundle.co.uk or call us on 0207 871 3125.