Productivity Software; What an IT Managed Service Provider Can Do For You; & “Hard Choices”—Boston Edition
May 23, 2024
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Mike Doherty, Founder and CEO of MicroDots, an IT company specializing in managed services for law firms, shares valuable insights on productivity software and IT strategies. He discusses the critical comparison between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, delving into their strengths for legal productivity. Mike highlights the transition from reactive IT support to the proactive approach of MSPs, emphasizing security and efficiency. The conversation takes a fun turn with 'Hard Choices', where Mike reveals what being a true Bostonian is all about!
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of productivity software, like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, is essential for law firm efficiency.
Engaging a Managed Service Provider enables law firms to adopt a proactive IT approach, minimizing risks and enhancing overall operational success.
Deep dives
The Value of Productivity Software
Productivity software, often overlooked, plays a crucial role in the efficiency of law practices. Many law firms primarily use Microsoft 365, primarily due to Microsoft Word being considered a 'killer app.' The text highlights that, despite alternative software like Google Workspace, Microsoft remains dominant, largely due to the longstanding familiarity and functionality of its features. Understanding the full range of tools available within these suites can prevent businesses from wasting money on redundant software services.
Benefits of Managed Service Providers
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) present a more proactive approach to IT services compared to traditional break-fix models. In the break-fix model, clients only receive help when issues arise, often leaving small firms vulnerable to downtime that can severely affect operations. By contrast, MSPs focus on continuous monitoring and preventive maintenance, which minimizes emergency situations and ensures that firms operate smoothly. This ongoing support can be particularly beneficial for small firms that might struggle to maintain an efficient and secure IT environment on their own.
Understanding Data Security Needs
Data security is a pressing concern for law firms, especially as compliance requirements grow more stringent. It is vital for firms to adopt robust cybersecurity measures, prompted by industry standards and client demands. An MSP can help navigate these complexities by implementing comprehensive security protocols and managing compliance requirements on behalf of the firm. The text emphasizes that aligning with an MSP not only mitigates risk but also allows firms to focus more on practicing law rather than IT management.
Choosing the Right MSP
Selecting an appropriate Managed Service Provider can be pivotal for a law firm's success, requiring careful consideration and trust-building. It's important for firms to not only evaluate the technical qualifications of potential MSPs but also to establish a strong personal rapport. Asking about specific services, response times, and examples of past performance can provide insight into their reliability. Ultimately, engaging an MSP should result in a partnership built on mutual trust and shared objectives to streamline operations and enhance security.
Jared kicks it off by exploring the biggest players in productivity software you should be using, well, be more productive. But no productivity suite is perfect. So, get to know the strengths and weaknesses of each so you can make the right choice for you.
Then, back in the day, lawyers often got their IT services from some independent techie who took care of stuff on an as-needed basis, but that sort of break/fix model is problematic if your tech strategy is only reactive instead of proactive. Jared talks with Michael Doherty about what it looks like for lawyers to engage IT services through a managed service provider (MSP). Michael walks attorneys through modern realities and ethics for technology use in their law firms and the potential for better outcomes when working with an MSP.
Later on—the Rump Roast, of course! The guys play “Hard Choices”, where Jared poses difficult Boston-themed scenarios and Michael must educate the masses on what a true Bostonian would do.