TechnoLawyer: Online/Cloud

Today's issue of Fat Friday contains these articles:

Reams Goodloe, Why Is Business and Legal Software Getting Worse Rather Than Better?

Steven Schwaber, Where's That Cloud Bankruptcy App Mazyar Promised?

Philip Franckel, Review: SmartAdvocate

Felicity Hardee, My Essential iPad Apps

Don't miss this issue — or any future issues.

How to Receive Fat Friday
Our most serendipitous offering, Fat Friday consists of unsolicited contributions by TechnoLawyer members. You'll no doubt enjoy it because of its mix of interesting topics and genuinely useful knowledge, including brutally honest product reviews and informative how-tos. The Fat Friday newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Coming today to BlawgWorld: Our editorial team has selected and linked to 135 articles from the past week worthy of your attention. Below you'll find a sample article from each section of today's issue, including our BlawgWorld Pick of the Week.

Amicus Cloud Adds Dropbox Integration

Review: Parallels Access

Bar Associations Risk Irrelevance

Law Firm Web Site Data Migration Tips

Congratulations to Robert J. Ambrogi of LawSites on winning our BlawgWorld Pick of the Week award: Secure Your Dropbox Documents With This New Service

Today's issue also contains links to every article in the September/October 2013 issue of Law Practice. Don't miss today's issue or any future issues of BlawgWorld.

How to Receive BlawgWorld
Our newsletters provide the most comprehensive coverage of legal technology, practice management, and law firm marketing, but not the only coverage. BlawgWorld enables you to stay on top of all the noteworthy articles (and podcasts) published online without having to hire a research assistant. Even when you're busy, you won't want to miss each issue's Pick of the Week. The BlawgWorld newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Today's issue of TL NewsWire covers an online word processor with collaboration tools (see article below), an iPad text editor with support for snippets and macros, a note-taking app for iPad and iPhone that syncs via iCloud, and an RSS feed service for your law blog. Don't miss the next issue.

COLLABORATIVE WORD PROCESSING

Microsoft Word remains shackled to its roots in the early days of personal computing before networks let alone the cloud. Back then, lawyers collaborated by writing a draft, and then circulating printed copies for feedback. Over the years, Word has gained some collaboration tools such as Track Changes, but new word processors built from the ground up for collaboration may have an edge.

Quip Business … in One Sentence

Launched this month, Quip Business is an online word processor with collaboration tools.

The Killer Feature

Quip Business enables you and others to work on a document at the same time — without the need for a server-based technology such as Microsoft SharePoint. The application keeps track of each person's changes and can save all versions. You can also use Quip Business offline. When you again have an Internet connection, your changes merge with the existing document, again preserving versions and enabling others to see your changes.

Other Notable Features

In addition to traditional documents, Quip Business also supports documents with specific structures such as checklists and outlines. Each Quip Business document has an area along the side for comments by those with access to the document. Quip Business can send you an alert when a person with whom you share a document first accesses it, makes changes, and adds comments.

Quip Business currently works in all modern web browsers on Macs, PCs, and mobile web browsers. A dedicated app exists for iPad and iPhone users that you can download for free from the App Store.

You can organize documents into folders, which enables you to share entire folders in addition to sharing select documents. Using the Admin Console, you can change user permissions anytime such as when an employee leaves your firm. You can also remotely manage and wipe the Quip Business app on iPads and iPhones issued by your firm.

What Else Should You Know?

If you have a Google account, you can use it as your Quip Business login for single sign on convenience. Quip Business costs $12 per user per month, which includes up to 250 users. A free version exists for up to five users, but it lacks the administrative tools. The company also offers an enterprise version for large law firms with custom pricing. Learn more about Quip Business.

How to Receive TL NewsWire
So many products, so little time. In each issue of TL NewsWire, you'll learn about five new products for the legal profession. Pressed for time? The newsletter's innovative articles enable lawyers and law office administrators to quickly understand the function of a product, and zero in on its most important features. The TL NewsWire newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Today's issue of TL NewsWire covers a cloud storage service with an emphasis on collaboration, redundancy, and security (see article below), backup and syncing software for Mac and Windows, a practice management app for Android smartphones, and litigation support software. Don't miss the next issue.

SECURELY CLOUD-ENABLE YOUR FOLDERS AND DOCUMENTS

Does the world need another cloud storage service? Yes because despite all the press and hype, the gold rush is just getting started. Market consolidation remains years away. The current market leaders serve the needs of consumers, not regulated businesses like law firms. Furthermore, enterprise software companies have just begun to enter the market. The products that balance convenience and security will win. The latest entrant, which has street cred to spare, seeks to check these two boxes.

Cubby … in One Sentence

LogMeIn's Cubby is a cloud storage service with native applications for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

The Killer Feature

Cubby's DirectSync technology enables you to cloud-enable one or more folders on your computer. These folders continue to function like regular folders except that you can access and modify the documents in these folders on your other devices using the Cubby apps. Any changes you make sync back to your original folder and across all your devices. Versioning enables you to keep all prior versions of a document.

Launched this year, Cubby Pro and Cubby Enterprise work similarly except that multiple people can access these cloud folders (cubbies) for collaboration purposes. Cubby can essentially make your file server available to everyone in your firm without having to implement and maintain a VPN.

All versions of Cubby enable you to share specific documents privately or publicly with clients and others. Thus, you can also use Cubby to "send" documents to clients that you cannot email for security or size reasons. Cubby doesn't impose any size limits on documents.

Other Notable Features

LogMeIn claims that Cubby offers superior security than Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, and others because it encrypts your documents in addition to providing a secure connection to them. Cubby Pro and Cubby Enterprise offer even more security via Cubby Locks. When you apply a Cubby Lock to a folder, you must enter a second folder-specific password to access its documents.

Cubby Enterprise provides you with a centralized administrative console through which you can manage all your users and their permissions. For example, you can disable or limit public sharing, prevent resharing, and create groups so that you can apply the same settings to multiple users simultaneously.

What Else Should You Know?

Cubby Basic for individual users provides 5 GB of storage for free. Cubby Pro for 1-10 users starts at $47.88 per year per user for 100 GB of storage. Cubby Enterprise for 10 or more users requires that you contact LogMeIn for a custom proposal based on your needs. Learn more about Cubby.

How to Receive TL NewsWire
So many products, so little time. In each issue of TL NewsWire, you'll learn about five new products for the legal profession. Pressed for time? The newsletter's innovative articles enable lawyers and law office administrators to quickly understand the function of a product, and zero in on its most important features. The TL NewsWire newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Coming today to BlawgWorld: Our editorial team has selected and linked to 145 articles from the past week worthy of your attention. Below you'll find a sample article from each section of today's issue, including our BlawgWorld Pick of the Week.

Amicus Cloud Frequently Asked Questions

Review: The Best iPad Keyboard Cases

What's Hot in the Legal Profession Plus Notable Trends

Declare Your Independence From These Rainmaking Myths

Congratulations to Jack Schaller of Eastern Legal Systems on winning our BlawgWorld Pick of the Week award: Review of NetDocuments (Cloud Document Management System)

Today's issue also contains links to every article in the July 2013 issue of Law Practice. Don't miss today's issue or any future issues of BlawgWorld.

How to Receive BlawgWorld
Our newsletters provide the most comprehensive coverage of legal technology, practice management, and law firm marketing, but not the only coverage. BlawgWorld enables you to stay on top of all the noteworthy articles (and podcasts) published online without having to hire a research assistant. Even when you're busy, you won't want to miss each issue's Pick of the Week. The BlawgWorld newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Today's issue of Fat Friday contains these articles:

Fred Kruck, Review: Jaybird Freedom Bluetooth Stereo Headphones

Paul Lepine, Review: QuickJump (Outlook Add-On)

Tonya Kaiser, More Advice for Remote Depositions

Joseph Travaglini, Desktop as a Service: A Viable Cloud Alternative

Don't miss this issue — or any future issues.

How to Receive Fat Friday
Our most serendipitous offering, Fat Friday consists of unsolicited contributions by TechnoLawyer members. You'll no doubt enjoy it because of its mix of interesting topics and genuinely useful knowledge, including brutally honest product reviews and informative how-tos. The Fat Friday newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Today's issue of TL NewsWire covers a cloud application for automating the creation of QDRO and related documents (see article below), timeline creation and presentation software, an iOS calendar app, and an online meeting and presentation service. Don't miss the next issue.

AUTOMATE YOUR QDRO PREPARATION AND GET HELP FROM SPECIALISTS

A spouse seeking your assistance for a divorce wants you to provide top-notch service, especially when drafting the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) if one or both parties has significant retirement benefits. Regardless of whom you represent in the divorce, this document is on par with a multibillion dollar merger agreement as far as the former couple is concerned. Accordingly, you want to make sure you nail every last detail so it can't hurt to automate the process and obtain the help of a QDRO specialist as needed.

QdroDesk … in One Sentence

Pension Appraisers' QdroDesk is a cloud application that automates the preparation of QDROs and associated documents.

The Killer Feature

Pension Appraisers has provided QDRO-related consulting services since 1989. QdroDesk incorporates the company's expertise to make QDRO preparation more accessible and affordable. QdroDesk walks you through an interview about your client's situation that takes into account all applicable federal and state laws, the marital or property settlement agreement, and conforms to plan guidelines.

When you finish, a QdroDesk specialist runs your QDRO through a nine-point review process to check for common errors and omissions, the correct plan name, verification of jurisdictional requirements, etc. to ensure court and plan approval. You can export the final document in both Word and PDF formats. If you run into any problems, you can obtain email and telephone assistance from a QDRO specialist.

"Wrapping up the division of retirement accounts upon divorce is greatly simplified with QdroDesk," Pension Appraisers' President Theodore K. Long, Jr. told us. "Whether attorneys use QdroDesk or send their clients directly to us, the benefits of instant QDRO delivery, full document control, and an experienced staff eliminates the hassles that come with lengthy delivery periods and communication barriers."

Other Notable Features

QdroDesk provides an explanation for each question. You can use QdroDesk in a linear manner or skip questions and return later if you don't currently have the information you need. The software will let you know which questions you skipped so that you can finish the QDRO. There's no time limit on completing a QDRO once you start the process. QdroDesk saves your work in progress until you're ready to complete the preparation process.

QdroDesk encompasses all types of plans, including defined benefit, defined contribution, federal government, military, railroad, state, local and municipal, and school systems for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

What Else Should You Know?

QdroDesk costs $299 per QDRO, including unlimited email and telephone support. Pension Appraisers offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. QdroDesk works in all modern web browsers on Windows PCs and Macs. Learn more about QdroDesk.

How to Receive TL NewsWire
So many products, so little time. In each issue of TL NewsWire, you'll learn about five new products for the legal profession. Pressed for time? The newsletter's innovative articles enable lawyers and law office administrators to quickly understand the function of a product, and zero in on its most important features. The TL NewsWire newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Coming today to BlawgWorld: Our editorial team has selected and linked to 120 articles from the past week worthy of your attention. Below you'll find a sample article from each section of today's issue, including our BlawgWorld Pick of the Week.

Cloud Storage for Lawyers Part 2: Dropbox

A Comparative Review of iPad Mini Keyboard Cases

Tips for Handling Law Partnership "Divorces"

Make Web Sites Mobile-Friendly or Face Google Search Wrath

Congratulations to Sharif Sakr of Engadget on winning our BlawgWorld Pick of the Week award: A Comparative Review of iPad Keyboard Cases

How to Receive BlawgWorld
Our newsletters provide the most comprehensive coverage of legal technology, practice management, and law firm marketing, but not the only coverage. BlawgWorld enables you to stay on top of all the noteworthy articles (and podcasts) published online without having to hire a research assistant. Even when you're busy, you won't want to miss each issue's Pick of the Week. The BlawgWorld newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Coming today to SmallLaw: Cedar Rapids Real estate lawyer Shannon Thompson tried some of the major cloud practice management systems but they didn't suit her workflow needs. So she decided to create her own cloud practice management system. Shannon is not a programmer. In this issue of SmallLaw, you'll learn how Shannon customized and integrated three general business cloud applications to create a practice management system that enables her to manage the client lifecycle from intake to task management to billing to payment and more. Also, don't miss the SmallLaw Pick of the Week for advice on spotting red flags in resumes from job applicants.

How to Receive SmallLaw
Small firm, big dreams. Written by practicing lawyers who manage successful small firms and legal technology and practice management experts who have achieved rock star status, SmallLaw provides practical advice on management, marketing, and technology issues in small law firms, as well as comprehensive legal product reviews with accompanying TechnoScore ratings. SmallLaw also ensures that you won't miss anything published elsewhere by linking to helpful articles (and podcasts and videos) about solo practices and small law firms. The SmallLaw newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Today's issue of TL Answers contains these articles:

Andrew Almond, How to Create and Enforce Usage of Word Templates

Bruce Gardiner, Read This Important Consideration Before Using Two Monitors

Caren Schwartz, Review: QuickBooks Online v. Quicken

Ronald Cappuccio, Review: Dragon NaturallySpeaking 12

Don't miss this issue — or any future issues.

How to Receive TL Answers
Do you believe in the wisdom of crowds? In TL Answers, TechnoLawyer members answer legal technology and practice management questions submitted by their peers. This newsletter's popularity stems from the relevance of the questions and answers to virtually everyone in the legal profession. The TL Answers newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.