Time is a precious commodity in the legal space. In some cases still stored in little 6 minute or 15 minute chunks. Managing it effectively is key to the success of any law firm. One of the most important aspects of managing your time is keeping track of billable hours, and this is where time recording software comes in.
But with so many options out there, how do you know which one to choose? Once you've chosen a software solution, should you opt for an on-premises server or a cloud-based solution? In this article, we'll outline the benefits of having cloud-based time recording software, and why it offers the most value for firms and professionals.
First off, let's define what we mean by cloud-based software. When we say "cloud", we're referring to software hosted on a remote server, rather than on a local server or individual machines - so you can access your data from anywhere with an internet connection, and the software provider takes care of maintenance, security, and updates.
With that out the way, let's look at some of the benefits of cloud-based time recording software:
Flexibility and accessibility
One of the key benefits of cloud-based time recording software is the flexibility it provides. With a cloud-based solution, you can access your data from anywhere with an internet connection. This means that you can work from wherever you find yourself: in the office, at a meeting, at home, on holiday, anywhere.
This is particularly useful for law firms with multiple offices or remote workers, and for being able to capture time whilst at external meetings without issue.
Automatic backups and updates
Cloud-based time recording software providers typically offer automatic backups and updates. This means that you don't need to worry about manually backing up your data or installing updates. The software provider takes care of this for you, which can save you time and reduce the risk of data loss. Additionally, software updates can be rolled out to all users simultaneously, ensuring that everyone is on the latest version of the software.
Improved security
It’s of no surprise that security is a top priority for law firms, and cloud-based time recording software can provide a much higher level of security than an on-premises server. Cloud providers have dedicated security teams that are responsible for ensuring the security of their servers and the data stored on them. This means that your data is protected by the latest security protocols, and that you don't need to worry about maintaining the security of your own server.
Cost savings
Cloud-based time recording software can also provide cost savings for law firms. With an on-premises server, you need to purchase and maintain your own hardware and software, which can be expensive – not to mention that you may also need to hire IT staff to manage the server and troubleshoot any issues. With a cloud-based solution, the software provider takes care of the hardware and software, and you only pay for what you need. This can be particularly beneficial for smaller law firms that don't have the resources to maintain their own server.
Scalability
Finally, cloud-based time recording software can be easily scaled up or down to meet your needs. If your law firm grows, you can easily add more users to the software without having to invest in additional hardware or software. On the other hand, if your law firm downsizes, you can easily reduce the number of users and the amount of data stored on the server. This can help to keep your costs under control and ensure that you're only paying for what you need.
In conclusion, cloud-based time recording software can provide numerous benefits for law firms and legal professionals. From flexibility and accessibility to improved security and cost savings, a cloud-based solution can help to streamline your workflow and improve the efficiency of your practice.
Seize the benefits of the cloud with Carpe Diem
Our Carpe Diem time recording software provides you with all the additional flexibility and security that modern firms require to be as efficient and transparent as possible, while providing teams with the ability to work from anywhere and track more of the things they do for clients.
Find out more about Carpe Diem’s cloud-based functionalities by clicking here.