Information Connection

• Citation: Vol. 38 No. 1 Pg. 56
• Publication year: 2015
• Pages: 56
• Year: 2015
• topic: Business of Law,Technology

Information Connection Vol. 38 No. 1 Pg. 56 Wyoming Bar Journal February, 2015

Debora Person Associate Law Librarian University of Wyoming Law Library.

Hardware Technology Decisions for Solo and Small Firms

In its annual Legal Technology Survey Report, the ABA publishes results of its survey of law firm office technology. In a summary of the 2014 report's data specific to solo and small law firms, Richard Ferguson identified hardware technology trends to assist small firms in making their purchasing decisions.^[1] One important consideration when choosing technology is to balance options against the security of client data, a requirement recently added to the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct.^[2] This article briefly reviews information contained in the survey, discusses some security considerations surrounding these technologies, and compiles a short list of resources for specific hardware recommendations for solo and small law firms.

Computers

The majority of solo and small firms use desktop computers as their primary computer, but they rely heavily on laptops. For laptops, Dell had the highest market share, but Apple held a significant portion of the market. Tablet use is over 40%, with iPads strongly dominating this category^[3] Some considerations when making computer purchases are:

• PCs have lower initial cost, a wider variety of compatible legal software, and service technicians are readily available.

• Macs offer stability, ease of use, and a reputation for being more secure. Most Windows software is now compatible with Macs.

• All will need reliable virus and malware protection.

Smartphones

Over 75% of solo and small...