Law Technology Today From the ABA Legal Technology Resource Center
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Knowing if your firm should move to the cloud can be a difficult undertaking. The resources relied upon to make a decision about how to store your firm’s data are often too technical or too abstract to try and relate back to the needs of your firm. Then, it seems like there are only two options: a cloud product that may not have the features and customization your firm needs, or a desktop product that’s design is cumbersome and technology is ancient. But, what if there was a solution somewhere in the middle? For the times when you need to access essential firm data outside the office, Tabs3 Software has several options that include hosted cloud, mobile access, full cloud, and more.
Tabs3 Software provides industry-leading software to law firms across the country. As the cloud became an attractive way for firms to use the software, we developed new features and partnered with industry leaders to provide cloud options for every firm. Just like every feature in Tabs3 Software – cloud options for Tabs3 were developed by listening to our clients. Whether you’re looking for mobile or out-of-the-office access to Tabs3, with or without IT support, we have a cloud solution for you.
When you’re running around town, getting things done: Tabs3 Platinum with Tabs3 Connect
How does it work?
When you have Platinum, the Tabs3 Software running at your office lets you log in to Tabs3Connect.com, where you can securely access essential Tabs3 features while you’re out of the office. Tabs3 Connect is designed for touchscreens on phones and tablets but also works well on laptop and desktop computers.
When you use Tabs3 Connect, you are securely connecting to the data in your office, meaning you can access billing, client, and contact information outside the office.
Why is it the right fit for me?
Tabs3 Connect gives you access on your phone, tablet, or laptop to essential features of Tabs3 Software. Connect makes it easy to enter fees, check your calendar, review a client’s billing summary, and perform more of the tasks that you want to do while you’re on the go or visiting a client. When you’re in the office, you still have access to all of the robust Tabs3 features that help your firm run like generating statements, entering payments, and running advanced reports.
What about IT?
Our technical support team can work directly with you or your IT professional to help you install Tabs3 on your server and configure your firewall to protect your data from outside interference.
To protect your firm from data loss as a result of hardware failure, network glitches, natural disasters, or ransomware, your IT team should have a backup strategy for your Tabs3 files. Regular backups will also preserve data in case of user errors, like when someone accidentally deletes a client or multiple records are edited incorrectly and you need to reset to a point when your files are accurate. Platinum features HotBackup and AutoRecovery can backup your data even when people are working and restore your data to a reliable state to reduce the loss of data corruption.
When you have multiple offices, work from home, or work on the road: Tabs3 Platinum with ProCirrus
How does it work?
ProCirrus hosts your entire workstation for you, not just Tabs3 Software, but also Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, and all of the products you use every day. ProCirrus specializes in supporting professional service firms with strong compliance, security, and performance requirements, so your network is secure.
Why is it the right fit for me?
ProCirrus allows you to work on what you want, from wherever you want. When you use ProCirrus, you can rely on them to assist you with all of your IT hassles and you can access all of your entire network (including Tabs3) from anywhere with an internet connection.
What about IT?
With ProCirrus, you don’t have to set up and maintain servers or worry about backups, they handle all that for you. ProCirrus takes care of all the data protection your in-house or contracted IT team would. Since ProCirrus hosts your firm’s data on their secure servers, they are responsible for maintenance, security, updates, and backups – all included in their monthly pricing.
When you work away from the office occasionally: Tabs3 Platinum with Remote Access (VPN or Screen Sharing)
How does it work?
When you use remote access, you are opening a copy of your computer in the office from another device with an internet connection. As long as your computer in the office is on, you’ll have complete access to your desktop from anywhere with an internet connection.
When you use VPN or screen share, you are connecting to the server in your office through your desktop computer. That means your files are secure because your software resides in your office, on your computer.
Why is it the right fit for me?
If you plan to do most of your work in the office, but need access to Tabs3 Software for a few hours in the evenings or occasionally when you’re on the road, remote access is the best option for you.
Screen sharing accesses your computer in the office via the internet. Since internet connections aren’t perfect, and computer hardware isn’t either, you might see less reliability or slower performance than when you work in the office. Screen sharing is a great solution for doing a couple of hours of work in the evenings, or even traveling for a week every once in a while.
What about IT?
Our technical support team can work directly with you or your IT professional to help you install Tabs3 on your server and configure your firewall to protect your data from outside interference.
To protect your firm from data loss as a result of hardware failure, network glitches, natural disasters, or ransomware, your IT team should have a backup strategy for your Tabs3 files. Regular backups will also preserve data in case of user errors, like when someone accidentally deletes a client or multiple records are edited incorrectly and you need to reset to a point when your files are accurate. Platinum features HotBackup and AutoRecovery can backup your data even when people are working and restore your data to a reliable state to reduce the loss of data corruption.
When you want a cloud product: CosmoLex
How does it work?
CosmoLex is cloud-based, which means all you need to use CosmoLex is an internet connection.
Why is it the right fit for me?
You can run your entire law practice on CosmoLex, with no QuickBooks required. You will be able to access all CosmoLex features on your desktop and in a mobile-friendly display from anywhere with an internet connection.
What about IT?
To use CosmoLex, all you need is a computer and an internet connection. Since your data is stored on CosmoLex’s secure servers, you don’t need to worry about data security, backups, or software updates, that’s all included with a subscription to CosmoLex.
As you can see, there are many different ways you can access your time and billing, practice management, and accounting data when you’re away from the office. Tabs3 has a solution for every firm and can tailor a software solution to fit your firm.
To learn more, schedule a personal walkthrough with one of our product experts!
