Shifting to perpetual systems evolution: how to conquer the feast famine cycle of upgrading your system
Article Abstract:
Law firms, or any entity with large-scale computing needs, must strive to keep their systems up to date with a continuous effort to maintain technology spending over time to avoid a fest famine situation. This tactic of Perpetual Systems Evolution (PSE) should allow firms to keep pace with technology while avoiding an obsolescence crisis. It stands in contrast with the older paradigm of holding onto complete systems, such as those provided by Wang, until these are hopelessly obsolete before purchasing another. By exploiting the modular and upgradable nature of PCs, management can keep a system modern without significant expenditure. A three-year plan should be devised to spread the cost of system updates. In the last quarter of each year, the plan should be updated so that year two becomes year one, and subsequent years are updated as well. PSE should account for growth in the system's user base, the number of hours each person works each day, and in the intensity of work performed.
Publication Name: Law Office Computing
Subject: Law
ISSN: 1055-128X
Year: 1995
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Developing your '96 technology strategy
Article Abstract:
Users should create a Strategic Technology Plan (STP) that is based on the theory that systems always need to evolve, and they should review that plan at the end of the year. In 1996, the major influences on technology development will be the development of the virtual office (TVO) as more employees stay home and increased connectivity as lawyers connect to client, government and other networks. Firms will restructure their business practices, which will lead to a reorganization of IS departments. Data modeling and video and imaging technologies will become widely used. To update the STP, users should determine the technologies they would like to implement by reading and talking with others both in and out of the firm. Users must then cut their wish-list down so that it fits into the firm's budget, which should be close to the national average. Users then have to convince their firms that the technology is worth the investment.
Publication Name: Law Office Computing
Subject: Law
ISSN: 1055-128X
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
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Lotus Notes by the numbers
Article Abstract:
Lotus Notes groupware is a sophisticated package that enables law firms and other businesses to communicate and share information more effectively. Notes provides simple methods to create databases that are accessible to non-computer professionals. Notes databases are replicable, which means that they can be updated from multiple access points and the new information will be synchronized with the main database. Notes databases can be viewed in different ways to screen out information not needed by a particular user. Notes is available in three different versions with different capabilities, making it cost-effective for widespread deployment, and the program functions well on a variety of platforms and configurations. Law firms are using Notes for practice management, litigation support, telecommuting and better client contact.
Publication Name: Law Office Computing
Subject: Law
ISSN: 1055-128X
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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