iCloud for Attorneys: Legal Documents in the iCloud
What can Apple's iCloud do for attorneys?
That's the question on the mind of technology-savvy attorneys everywhere - especially those with several Apple devices.
And, with the iPad, iPhone, MacBook, iMac and iPhone all popular tech products, many attorneys are mini Apple-aficionados. The iCloud can integrate all of an attorney's Apple iOS products together, leading to a more organized and streamlined life. Theoretically, at least.
Apple's iCloud service is similar to the services that other cloud-based storage devices offer, like DropBox or Box.Net. Like most cloud services, the basic functionality and advantage is that it will sync all your devices.
If you change a document on your iPhone, the changes will be uploaded automatically and synched to your chosen devices. For example, the changed document can be uploaded onto your desktop or laptop computer.
Apple's iCloud also helps sync your contacts, calendar and mail. This means if you add a contact onto your iPhone, the contact will be beamed into the cloud and your laptop and desktop computers will be updated accordingly.
What does this mean for attorneys? Well, it means that productivity won't just stop when you leave the office. Want to update your legal documents on your iPad? Go ahead, and it will be updated onto your laptop. Want to wine and dine a few key contacts? Never fear, the contact information you jot down on your phone will end up on your laptop.
Of course, there is a cost. iCloud has not officially been released yet, and is in beta. But, when it does get released this fall, expect to pony up some money if you want more than 5 GB of storage. The cost of 10 GB of storage will run you $20 per year, 20 GB will run you $40, and 50 GB will set you back $100 a year.
Is this too high a price to pay? iCloud can work for attorneys. But remember, this only works for those with Apple iOS devices. And, it's best only used for those who have multiple iOS devices that they'd like to keep in sync.
Related Resources:
- Your Legal Documents in the iCloud (Tablet Legal)
- Does Your Firm Need a Cloud-Based Litigation Organizer? (FindLaw's Technologist)
- Google Counters Apple's AirPrint, Offers Google Cloud Print (FindLaw's Technologist)