This is the first in the series of FREE EJC business and technology guides.

Does this describe your firm?

• IT is just another expense rather than helping your law firm thrive?
• It is too difficult or expensive to implement new technologies?
• Your staff are frustrated with computer hiccups and unexpected downtime?

Here at EJC, we talk to business owners all the time and we understand these frustrations. It doesn’t have to be this way. In short, this FREE guide can help you turn IT into a genuine competitive advantage.

This book shares proven solutions and tips that address 30 common problems that we see in small and medium organisations. It addresses three fundamental business goals: improving productivity, getting better value for money and reducing risk.  If you would like to discuss your IT strategy then please let me know.

The PDF version of the guide is available now. To receive your FREE copy either call Ben on 0370 600 9708, email Guides@EJC.IT or download it from our website at www.ejc.it/guides

For many Winter arrived early.  Through December snow and ice played havoc with travel, business and even many people's Christmas preparations.

One of our clients was stuck for 8 hours in one of the Kent trains caught in the snow. He would certainly argue that his train company wasn’t prepared for the weather! Such ‘extreme’ weather seems to be ‘regular’ occurrence and if it isn't already, I recommend you include it in your business continuity plan alongside fire, theft or strike action etc.

Writing a business continuity plan can sound daunting, but it is really about linking your key business functions with potential incidents and your customers’ expectations. These steps form the basis of outlining solutions that balance your business continuity objectives with the cost, expertise and time required to operate and maintain your solution, as well as to recover from an incident.
 

I would argue the recent weather is a timely reminder that a business continuity plan is not just simply a handy thing to have, it’s a necessity. If you want to talk to me about yours or fall into the 44% of organisations without one, please feel free to phone me on 0370 600 9700 or send me an email and we’ll be happy to draw up some appropriate plans that meet your specific needs.  Photo supplied by FreeFoto.com

With the rise in availability of wireless networking on devices such as laptops, printers and phones, it is increasingly common for wireless networks to extend or even replace traditional wired networks. I think that 95% of our clients probably have some form of wireless network.

Unfortunately, as many as 50 percent of wireless networks are completely open to intruders, eavesdroppers and freeloaders. Wireless networks are particularly vulnerable because attackers can work out of sight and remain undetected. As the majority of these networks have full access to corporate resources, they need the same level of protection as a wired network. 
 

Most business have some form of protection for their wireless networks, but often it is inadequate relying on out of date WEP encryption that can be hacked in less than 5 minutes with freely available tools. Therefore if you are still using WEP to protect your network, you need to urgently review your wireless security and upgrade or replace it.
 

If you want further information, contact me or read our Top Tips for Wireless Network Security.
 

You can also receive our FREE Wireless Security Assessment – See the offer at the end of this newsletter.  Photo supplied by Tina Phillips / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It seems that law firms are increasingly sensing the need to upgrade old systems and software. With last year’s launch of Microsoft Office 2010 a lot of attention is focussed on upgrading from Office 2003 which looks dated in comparison. Office 2003 lacks many of the new productivity features of 2010 and most commentators agree that firms moving from Office 2003 are likely to see a significant impact.

For many firms the easiest point to upgrade will be at the same time as replacing old PCs. But even if your PCs are not due for replacement in the near future, it is worth evaluating the upgrade cost against the potential benefits.
 

What do you stand to gain moving to Office 2010? Here are some key pointers:

• Search and navigation especially in Outlook is a real time-saver. Conservative estimates suggest that you will save several minutes per day. Even at a £50 charge rate that translates to an extra £350 per annum.
• The Ribbon has replaced traditional menus and toolbars. It makes commands and tools more visible and easier to access and reduces the time it takes to perform common tasks like formatting a table or inserting boilerplate text.
• New to 2010, the Backstage View replaces the traditional File menu. It gives simplified access to common file commands such as printing where all the various printing commands are brought together in one Print tab that includes an automatic Print Preview.
• Document Management functionality (Review, compare and manage) is very strong in 2010. Consider that instead of using a separate document comparison product, law firm Clifford Chance use Word’s built-in functionality with a small piece of customisation.

Before your firm makes the final decision there are two other key areas to consider. Firstly how well does 2010 (or 2007 which has many of these features as well) integrate with your other systems such as your Case Management System? Secondly how you ensure a smooth transition?

We will look at these in a later newsletter but if you are looking to upgrade or have any feedback on your experience of upgrading or questions contact me.

Have you ever wanted to carry on reading a webpage at home that you were looking at in the office or have you needed to access a website from home that you have bookmarked on your computer in the office?  Xmarks allows you to do that and more.

The Wall Street Journal called Xmarks a “clever, well-done product” and it has built-up a loyal following. No wonder, we find really useful!
 

Install Xmarks on each computer you use and it will seamlessly syncs your favourites or bookmarks between each of them as well as keeping them safely backed up. It even gives you online access so you can view and manage your bookmarks from any PC. It is compatible with Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari (Mac OS) and there is even an App for the iPhone and iPad that allows you to access your bookmarks and open tabs on the move.
 

www.Xmarks.com

What did you think of the issues raised in the wireless networking article above and do you know whether your wireless network can be easily hacked? EJC are offering TEN FREE Wireless Security Assessments. Clients and prospects can take advantage of the offer. Just email me with your contact details and we will schedule a convenient time to conduct our remote assessment.