Technology is bridging the competitive divide between companies of any size and across all industries. This is particularly true in the legal services arena where tight economic conditions are driving clients in need of legal assistance to search for more personalized service at a lower cost. Clients are finding this personalized service in the offices of the smaller law firms. The influx of new clientele is prompting smaller firms to find ways to maximize their productivity and streamline their operations to increase their caseload capacity.
The Client
Our client, specializing in worker’s compensation defense has offices in New York and New Jersey, and Connecticut. With approximately 15 computers and 2 servers, They depend on a reliable, secure and efficient computing environment and network for data flow within and between offices.
The Problem
In 2004, the firm’s management team recognized the opportunity for their firm to compete with larger firms and grow their practice. They also realized that in order to achieve that goal, they would have to use their technology resources more effectively and become more aggressive in the identification and implementation of new technology solutions that would increase their work capacity. However, without an IT expert on staff, they could not develop or implement a cost effective technology plan.
They had several options when deciding how to best manage its IT infrastructure. Most often, businesses utilize a small local technology consulting service provider. Unfortunately, the client discovered, these local consultants had a limited range of technology expertise and lacked the staff resources to support their growing business needs. They were left with limited technology alternatives, and the inability to form a productive and economical long-range technology plan.
In comes PairM
PairM began the IT partnership with this client by performing a comprehensive assessment which evaluated the firm’s current technology infrastructure, their IT needs relative to their stated business requirements, and recommended areas for improvement.
The assessment uncovered several network weaknesses that would need to be addressed before any other projects or upgrades could be implemented. The firm was victim to an unreliable and under-performing network in both of their offices. In addition, the assessment also revealed a data backup problem in the firm’s New Jersey office that was putting the firm’s casework and client data at risk. Since then, key PairM contributions have included:
The installation of firewalls at each of the offices to increase network security and a Virtual Private Network (VPN) between the two offices to ensure secure communications over the Internet
Upgrading the operating system to Windows 2003 to provide more advanced, secure Internet sharing and remote access for firm employees
The Results
PairM has helped stabilize their network and boost its computing capabilities. The more stable operating environment provides speed and performance enhancements that power the firm’s large Prolaw database software. The VPN protects confidential data that might otherwise be vulnerable to attacks or illegal access. PairM meets regularly with the firm’s management team to discuss IT strategy relative to their business needs and recommends technology options that will continue to support and improve the firm’s productivity in the future. PairM maintain a strong IT partnership that powers their productivity and competitive advantage.
IT Challenges Can Be Overwhelming
In recent studies:
Enterprise Management Associates reported that 80% of organizations don’t know what IT systems or software they have installed or how to manage it
The Gartner Group estimated that poor IT management alone increases the total cost of IT ownership by 7–10% a year
It’s little wonder then that Gartner and other research firms estimate that the right IT partner can reduce the product selection, procurement, implementation, maintenance, and management costs of small organizations by 20–30%.
