Today's issue of TechnoLawyer NewsWire covers a Web application for collaboration and project management (see article below), a Microsoft Word add-on for automating the creation of legal documents, a reminder system that works with BlackBerrys and iPhones, illustration software with legal and medical graphics, and a wireless print server. Don't miss the next issue.
Clear Your Mind in the Cloud
See that pile of paper on your desk? No, that one behind the other three. You can't continue to manage your cases like that. Don't feel bad. You're not the only lawyer who needs professional help. Seeking assistance does not suggest weakness. Think of it as the first step to a better you. Will it cost money? Of course, but it'll make you more money … or at least bring you some peace of mind. In the meantime, you may want to hide those piles. Your client just arrived for his meeting.
WizeHive … in One Sentence
PivotPoint Software's WizeHive is an online collaboration and organizational application.
The Killer Feature
Have you noticed how social networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook rely heavily on email? They know that if something isn't in your inbox, it's invisible.
Recognizing that online life revolves around email, WizeHive integrates with any email program using a special address and a notation system. By sending a message to this address with the name of the workspace (see below) in the subject you can create new notes or tasks without having to use the Web interface.
Similarly, you can receive WizeHive communications from your colleagues via email. So why not just use email? Because WizeHive organizes everything for you with threaded messaging, search, large file sharing, and more.
Other Notable Features
WizeHive organizes your information into workspaces. You'll probably want to create a workspace for every client. Within a workspace you'll find sections for people, tasks, data, files, notes, and questions. You can further organize a workspace with pages, which you might create for each matter.
Through the Activity window, you can track all communications across all workspaces and pages that apply to you. Other system-wide views enable you to manage Tasks, People, and Files across all workspaces. The Tasks view offers filtering. For example, you can view tasks assigned to you or to others. Regarding file management, you can edit Word and Excel files within WizeHive without downloading and re-uploading them.
WizeHive also includes an iCal-compatible calendar that displays all date-specific tasks. You can also schedule meetings and events on the calendar.
What Else Should You Know?
You can customize WizeHive with your firm's logo and preferred colors. Another setting enables you to receive all email alerts in a single daily digest. You can choose from five versions of WizeHive — Free, Basic ($9/month), Plus ($24/month), Premium ($39/month), and Enterprise. The versions differ with regard to workspaces, pages, storage, and features such as a vanity URL. Learn more about WizeHive.
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So many products, so little time. In each issue of TechnoLawyer NewsWire, you'll learn about five new products for the legal profession. Pressed for time? The "In One Sentence" section describes each product in one sentence, and the "Killer Feature" section describes each product's most compelling feature. The TechnoLawyer NewsWire newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.
