ProLaw Support – How to Get Help for ProLaw

ProLaw is can be utilized in 2 versions — on-premise and web-based, with both being hosted on a server.

Typically, when you opt for a web-based software, you are giving up some features and robustness in exchange for a more lightweight, flexible platform. This is no exception, but it may not be a problem.

Let’s discuss the differences between the two and what you can expect.

ProLaw must be purchased from ProLaw itself.

From there, ProLaw also requires that they do the initial setup (or at least particular parts of it). Since ProLaw is a robust platform, you’ll find that the server requirements may be more extensive than what you initially thought.

This is why it’s important that your IT company or Private Cloud Provider has a good working relationship with ProLaw. For example, Uptime Practice works with ProLaw engineers on a weekly basis, as we migrate law firms to the cloud regularly.

Keep in mind that both ProLaw traditional and ProLaw Workspace still require servers in some fashion.

Your real decision is whether you want to have servers of your own or if you’ll want to absolve your firm of server responsibility by choosing a reliable cloud provider. We’ll dig more into that later.

For ProLaw users, there are three specific pathways to access support. Depending on your firm’s utilization of ProLaw and the support level needed, you can opt for one or a mix of these pathways.

ProLaw, a comprehensive practice and document management software, has established itself as an indispensable asset for law firms across North America.

As the contemporary business environment increasingly embraces remote work, numerous law firms are seeking ways to reduce the expenses and complexity of managing in-house servers. Their goal is to equip their professionals with the capability to operate smoothly from any location, breaking down geographical barriers and fostering a more harmonious work-life equilibrium.

This shift has amplified the allure of cloud technology’s potential.

In today’s digitally-driven age, cloud technology can fundamentally redefine the way law firms function, presenting advantages like cost-effectiveness, adaptability, and enhanced efficiency. When it comes to ProLaw, migrating to the cloud can morph the software from being reliant on servers to a tool that’s more versatile, user-friendly, and efficient.

Let’s delve into how law firms can seamlessly transition their ProLaw practice management software to the cloud.

Related: As an Authorized Hosting Provider for ProLaw, consider:

ProLaw is originally an on-premise software, designed to function on a server. Historically, law firms have hosted such software on their in-house servers. In comparison, cloud-based software is operated over the internet and accessed via a web browser, negating the necessity for on-site servers.

Nonetheless, there are multiple ways to run ProLaw in the Cloud.

For instance, platforms like Practice Go can “cloudify” ProLaw. These mechanisms effectively enable you to utilize ProLaw as a web application in the Cloud, bypassing the need for individual servers.

Sounds enticing, doesn’t it? However, there’s a caveat…

This approach is most effective when a law firm intends to move only ProLaw or a single software to the cloud. For any additional software applications, distinct strategies would be necessary for each.

Should you be seeking a more all-encompassing solution, it might be worthwhile to explore options like a Private Cloud or Virtual Desktop for your firm.

For a deeper understanding of these alternatives, continue reading.

Private Clouds are so-called because every law firm (called a “tenant,” in cloud computing parlance), has their own segregated, dedicated working environment.

In most cases, that means:

For those new to these technologies, the core takeaway is that your law firm possesses its own dedicated, secure realm for its software, documents, and data, separate from other law firms. This ensures an added dimension of data protection and confidentiality for your practice.

We’ve delved into the advantages of running ProLaw on a cloud platform and the role of a Private Cloud in this. But what does it practically imply to function within a Private Cloud? How do members of your firm interact with it?

This is best explained with the idea of a Virtual Desktop.

At its core, a Virtual Desktop is like the familiar computer interface you’d find on Windows or Apple systems, but it’s hosted in the cloud and is accessible around the clock, from any location. Typically, this Virtual Desktop comes equipped with commonly used software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, as well as your legal practice management tools, accounting software, and document management systems.

The beauty of a Virtual Desktop lies in its ability to provide access to your law firm’s software — which traditionally might only be available on office-based computers or when connected to office servers — from any device, anywhere globally.

Such Virtual Desktop offerings are often labeled as “Desktop-as-a-Service” or DaaS, drawing a parallel to the concept of “Software-as-a-Service” or SaaS.

In a Virtual Desktop setting, the software applications are housed on remote servers in a data center. Your local computer essentially becomes a portal or a gateway to access these applications. When you launch a program, it runs on these remote servers, not on your local machine. This setup allows you to access your software, documents, and other data from anywhere with an internet connection, using various devices.

Thus, rather than being confined to a single physical location, your digital workspace becomes universally accessible. The heavy lifting, in terms of processing and data storage, is offloaded to these robust servers, while your local device merely serves as an interface to interact with your virtualized environment.

More often than not, the only feature you’ll find on your local desktop is a shortcut — acting as a portal to your Virtual Desktop.

Upon logging into your Virtual Desktop, you or any member of your team can access all of your law firm’s software, documents, and data.

This includes:

With this arrangement, every member of your firm can access ProLaw, as well as all other applications, documents, and data, regardless of their location or the device they’re using.

Moreover, Virtual Desktops negate the hassle of individually installing, updating, and overseeing each software on every firm’s computer. Instead, the upkeep and modernization of all your software becomes the duty of your Cloud Service Provider, streamlining processes and eliminating potential headaches.

Such a strategy not only brings heightened ease of use but also centralizes the management of your software tools, lifting the burden off your shoulders.

Virtual Desktops bring many advantages to law firms. Specifically, Virtual Desktops are likely the best technology route in any of the following scenarios.

For an example of working in a Virtual Desktop, watch our demonstration of Uptime Practice.