http://orionlaw.com/lib/fn/Tech_Tip_July_2014

The Forecast for Legal Technology:
Partly Cloudy
By Steven J. Best, Esq.
Partner – Affinity Consulting Group

I. Cloud Computing Defined

A. Vagueness: Cloud computing is a rather vague term that covers several concepts. Within the scope of legal technology, it most often refers to Software-As-A-Service (“SaaS”), but is not limited to the SaaS definition below. There are a ridiculous number of definitions of SaaS.  One thing that is perfectly clear about cloud computing is that NOTHING ACTUALLY HAPPENS IN THE CLOUDS. No computerized processing occurs in the stratosphere. Cloud computing merely means that the server, hosting the “system” is NOT in your physical office and you are completely dependent on a good, solid internet connection to access that system via a variety of modern internet connection models.

B. Software as a Service: Cloud Computing/”Software as a Service” (SaaS) is a software distribution model in which certain applications are hosted by a vendor or service provider and made available to customers over a network, typically the Internet. SaaS is closely related to what was touted as the future of technology about ten years ago, a/k/a “ASP” (application service provider) and on demand computing software delivery models. Thus, in the software on demand model, the provider gives customers network-based access to a single copy of an application created specifically for SaaS distribution . Hosted Exchange (hosted e-mail) is an example of a SaaS computing model.

C. Infrastructure as a Service: Another definition of Cloud Computing: Cloud computing may also be defined as the maintenance of a cloud-based workspace that provides you the flexibility to work from anywhere, on any web-enabled device while also ensuring that all of your users have access to the most up-to-date version of the software you need. Traditional software and data reside in a data center (on what are essentially traditional servers) that maintain high levels security and fail-safe procedures. You simply connect via a secure internet connection from anywhere you are within an internet connection. Applications run just like they would on your desktop computer.

II. The SaaS Model

A. ADVANTAGES OF SaaS CLOUD BASED COMPUTING

1. UP FRONT COST: The marketing strategy of most cloud computing providers is to heavily stress that there is little or no upfront cost to using their cloud based system. Thus, there are no servers to purchase and setup, there are no extra equipment to buy and maintain and, to the marketing propagandists, you are saving a bundle by using their system/service. And, to a certain extent, there is some truth to this idea, especially the SaaS model. However, even with the SaaS model, the fact that there is no upfront cost is soon outweighed by the idea that the monthly fee you pay to use the service is ongoing, with virtually no end in sight;

2. NO UP FRONT HARDWARE INVESTMENT REQUIRED: All you need is high speed internet access and a computer. Usually there is nothing to install on your computer, you simply browse to the website and log in…