Lawyers, Here's the Cheapest Tech Budget Ever
The surveys say what you already know: you are going to spend more money on technology this year.
It is as inevitable as Thanos destroying the.... Sorry, almost spoiled the movie for you. But seriously, you are destined for tech upgrades so you might as well accept it.
Oh, you don't have $1,000 in your back pocket for an internet-enabled, artificially intelligent, mobile assistant who is smarter than you are? No worries, you can upgrade your whole office for next to nothing.
Hardware Upgrades
Budgeting for technology is about resisting the techno temptation. You don't really need that $1,000 phone; you just want it. Even if you have the cash, that phone will depreciate faster than a new car. These are just general observations, but you get the idea. You don't have to spend money on new computers and smartphones because the oldies can be goodies. Tech writer Dwight Silverman said it's time to praise them, not replace them.
"I'm not the only person holding on to older computers rather than upgrading often," he said. "I polled my Twitter followers about the age of the oldest PC they use regularly, and 63 percent of 329 people who voted said their machine was 5 years or older."
Of course, it depends on what kind of devices you use. All hardware is not created equally. But if you don't have to buy a new computer or smart phone, you just saved $1,000.
Software Upgrade
Software is where the money is. How do you think Bill Gates became the richest man in the world? (Before Jeff Bezos, before his divorce.)
Anyway, you have to spend money on software upgrades. Lawyers, especially, have to invest in software to protect accounts and client information against cyberattacks.
The good news is, software upgrades are often free. Many companies practically force you to download new software, reminding you until you do it just to stop the notifications. So accept all the upgrades -- with one big caveat. Some upgrades will eventually overpower your hardware, and you will have to invest in new hardware.
Like we said, it's inevitable.
Related Resources:
- Tech Trends and How to Budget for Them (FindLaw's Strategist)
- Best Tech Gadgets and Services for Lawyers on a Budget (FindLaw's Strategist)
- New Tools for Tech Savvy Legal Professionals (FindLaw's Legal Technology)