Enabling the iPad as a tool for the legal profession
iPad Insight, a leading blog covering all things iPad, recently commented on the rise of the iPad as a tool for legal profession. It is a good read, but I found that the focus was on applications specifically developed for the legal profession. While attorneys leveraging the iPad platform as a means to practice better law and better manage the practice is becoming more common and many applications already in common use by law firms offer iPad apps as a portal to office-based case files and administrative systems, they often require changes in information technology policies or infrastructure to work properly — changes that many law firms are not yet prepared to make.
However, the greatest appeal of the iPad for many of the attorneys I have spoken with is the opportunity to substitute the iPad as a unified communications device, a convenient means for light document editing and a means to organize, search and access voluminous documents without the need to cart around boxes and boxes of files. With a little creativity, attorneys have found ways to do this effectively with non industry-specific applications and without the need for their firms to support the platform officially.
Unfortunately for many attorneys, the cost of the iPad and any associated accessories and data plans will be their own to bear as few firms seem ready to reimburse for these expenses. However, with the iPad appealing as a legal tool to even older, less technology-enthusiastic partners, reimbursement policies for iPads seem likely to change as time goes on.
A potential driver for more formal adoption and support of the platform by firms relates to compliance and security matters. Where the firm does not support use of the iPad by its attorneys, it often becomes necessary for the attorneys to forward e-mails and post documents via means that may not protect firm, client and matter data sufficiently. From a security perspective, this increases the potential for loss or misappropriation of that sensitive data. From a compliance perspective, this complicates being responsive to eDiscovery requests and could put the reputation and the assets of the firm at risk.
The bottom line? iPads likely are too appealing and a powerful a platform for the legal profession for firms *not* to move towards adopting and supporting them. However, individual attorneys and firms alike should approach doing so as a strategic initiative rather than simply adding an incremental technology.
Study Shows iPads in Kindergarten Class Improve Literacy – What it Could Mean for Pilot 1:1 Programs
According to a new article on iPadInsight, the iPad is proving to boost literacy rates in Kindergarten classes amongst participants in a recent pilot by the Auburn School Department. The article shares some exciting results as well as some excellent insights regarding potential utilization of iPads as a transformational platform in early childhood education.
Many schools dip their proverbial toes in the waters of 1:1 by piloting lower-cost platforms such as iPads or Netbooks for older students. These schools often then commit to a more comprehensive and more expensive program based on Macbook or Windows notebook computers. The news that iPads can have such a significant impact on early literacy rates raises an interesting planning consideration for schools that have done so or are planning to do so.
Given the positive results indicated by the Auburn School Department study, schools may want to look at initial iPad investments as having a dual purpose – first providing a pilot platform for a broader 1:1 program, and once retired in favor of more advanced platforms, a second life as a valuable teaching tool for kindergarten classes. In this way, schools can extend the useful life of their initial iPad investment as well as provide an educational advantage to their youngest students.
The iPadInsight article with links to the Auburn School Department’s report may be found here.
Why Every Medical Practice Needs a Chief Technology Officer
As healthcare organizations enter 2012 with expectations of reduced reimbursements and ongoing economic challenges, many physicians and administrators are questioning the role and costs of technology and those who manage it within their practices. Pathfinder Advisors’ Matt Podowitz explores how a talented Chief Technology Officer can leverage both existing and new technology both to reduce costs and create value across the entire medical practice. To read the full article, click here or visit www.medicalofficetoday.com.
6 Easy Budget Cuts Every CIO Can Make
Pathfinder Advisors’ Matt Podowitz shares a half-dozen easy cost-savings opportunities for CIOs. Click here to read the article or visit www.businessnewsdaily.com.
Too Much IT Info Can Be A Dangerous Thing
In a new article by technology writer Chad Brooks, Pathfinder Advisors’ Matt Podowitz discusses situations where IT information to the business without a meaningful business context can be counterproductive. Instead, IT leaders should always strive to talk about the business and discuss IT within the context of the business’ needs and performance.
To read the article, click here or visit www.businessnewsdaily.com.
Webinar: How CIOs can communicate and work better with their CEOs and management teams
Pathfinder Advisors’ Matt Podowitz shares top tips for how CIOs can communicate better and work more effectively with their CEOs and management teams in an exciting webinar presented by ExecSense on August 19th at 4:30PM Eastern. This seminar is complimentary for ExecSense subscribers.
To subscribe to ExecSense or to register for this webinar, please visit www.execsense.com.
Webinar: CIO Best Practices for Advising Your CEO & Board of Directors
The IT Value Challenge’s author will be sharing top tips for how CIOs can advise their CEOs and Boards of Directors in an exciting webinar presented by ExecSense on May 18th. Click here for details and registration information.