Today's issue of TechnoLawyer NewsWire covers a new word processor (see article below), an Exchange-compatible Android mail client, backup software, and two personalized news apps for the iPad. Don't miss the next issue.
Word Up
Notwithstanding all the software innovation this century, the word processor remains at the heart of every law practice. Only email has challenged its dominance — and email was invented last century. Because lawyers essentially sell their analysis in written form, it's unlikely any other innovation will surpass the word processor in popularity. So when a new version of the most popular word processor in the legal world hits the street it's worth some investigation.
Word 2010 … in One Sentence
Microsoft's Word 2010 is a word processor.
The Killer Feature
Vendors that offer Web-based word processors tout the superiority of their collaboration features. For example, you and your colleagues can work on these documents simultaneously, and you can view an audit trail showing who changed what when. By contrast, using a traditional word processor typically results in multiple files that require document comparison software to manage.
Word 2010 supports co-authoring via either SharePoint or Windows Live, the latter of which is free. You can initiate instant messaging sessions or phone calls with your co-authors from within Word.
Other Notable Features
With Word 2010, you can work on your documents even when you don't have them with you. Microsoft Word Web App is an online word processor that integrates with Word 2010. Also, later this year you can use Microsoft Word Mobile 2010 to edit documents on Windows Phone smartphones.
In the last version of Word, Microsoft replaced the toolbar with the ribbon. In Word 2010, the File menu contains Microsoft's Backstage technology with improved document management functions.
Other new features include recovery of documents you close without saving, photo editing and screenshot tools, and enhanced document searching.
What Else Should You Know?
Microsoft sells Word 2010 alone or as part of its Office suite. Word 2010 by itself costs $150. The suites range in price from $150 to $500. Word 2010 runs on Windows XP or later. Learn more about Word 2010.
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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.
