Today's issue of TechnoLawyer NewsWire covers an online billing application (see article below), an iPhone eBook reader, automation software for HUD closings, software that enables you to search your PC from a smartphone, and legal graphics software. Don't miss the next issue.
Can Technology Help You Bill More Time?
By Neil J. Squillante
If you're like most lawyers, you probably dislike keeping track of your time but enjoy the end result — getting paid. Two paths exist that can deliver you from this chore — leaving legal practice or using technology to make billing your time easier. If you can carry a tune and don't mind being berated by Simon Cowell, great. The rest of you might want to explore the latest billing technologies.
Bill4Time ... in One Sentence
Bill4Time is an online time billing and project management system that enables you to track time and expenses on the go.
The Killer Feature
When we first covered Bill4Time in this newsletter in July 2007, we noted how its Web-based nature freed lawyers to bill their time using a Web browser on any Mac or PC.
While liberating, a number of situations exist in which lawyers don't have access to a computer or the Internet or both. Bill4Time has addressed this issue by releasing free applications that connect to your Bill4Time Web account.
For example, the new Bill4Time Widget is a desktop application for Mac and Windows that enables you to enter time and expenses with or without an Internet connection (if you're not connected, it syncs when you next connect).
Similarly, Bill4Time offers mobile apps for BlackBerry, iPhone, Palm, and Windows Mobile, which enable you to use Bill4Time on the go without having to use a laptop.
Other Notable Features
Over the past year and a half, Bill4Time also realized that one size does not fit all. You can now choose from three versions — Free, Lite, and Professional. The differences primarily concern the number of users, clients, and matters (projects).
Also new since our previous coverage is integration with QuickBooks thanks to the free QB Connect program. This software enables you to import your Bill4Time invoices, payments, balances, and other data into QuickBooks Pro or Premiere 2004 or later.
One of the most requested features among Bill4Time's early adopters was trust accounting, which the company rolled out about six months ago. You can create trust accounts for clients and even for specific matters.
Bill4Time offers a variety of ways to monitor activity. You can receive realtime email alerts, configure and view a Web dashboard, and create and export reports.
What Else Should You Know?
Bill4Time backs up your data offsite six times every day and encrypts your connection to your account. You can also backup your data locally. Bill4Time Free costs nothing of course, but you can try Bill4Time Lite and Professional free for 30 days. Pricing starts at $19.99 per user per month and includes unlimited support. Learn more about Bill4Time.
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Published on Wednesdays, TechnoLawyer NewsWire is a weekly newsletter that enables you to learn about new technology products and services of interest to legal professionals. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.
