Nov 07 -SOS celebrates success of Connect
Solicitors Own Software (SOS) has announced that Connect, its powerful, web-based practice and case management software is being well received by solicitors across the country and that sales of the software have far exceeded expectations.
As interest in Connect continues to grow, the latest company to invest in this versatile and integrated .NET practice and matter management system is Bristol law firm Barcan Woodward.
The six partner firm employs around 50 staff at three offices in Bristol. It specialises in family and child law, conveyancing, wills and probate, clinical negligence, and accident and injury compensation.
When the law firm decided to modernise its outdated accounts system and improve time recording it scoured the legal IT market for a solution. The partners investigated several software systems including SOS Connect, which they read about in the Law Society’s prestigious legal IT guide.
“We were impressed with the feedback we received from other law firms in the Bristol area who we knew were using SOS software,” said partner Marina Van Vessen.
“Connect appeared to provide us with the integrated solution we were looking for and offered us the flexibility we wanted.
“The system also gave us more practice management functionality and allowed us to move towards a case management capability as and when we needed it.”
The new system has replaced the firm’s current Axxia software and SOS Connect has been installed onto every desktop throughout the firm.
Because it can be accessed via an internet connection, SOS Connect frees lawyers from their desktops, enabling them to work remotely. This means they can work from home or a client’s office - or even on the move with a wireless laptop.
Lawyers can also work offline – the information is automatically uploaded the next time the computer is attached to the office network. In addition, multi-branch law firms don’t need expensive leased lines to link their offices in order to roll out the software across the entire business.
An added advantage is that because the system is integrated with Microsoft Outlook, SOS can provide exciting new workflow applications for conveyancing and personal injury within the Outlook interface.
“Connect is compatible with the way we work and thereby will allow us to work much more efficiently. This is a very exciting stage in the firm’s development,” concluded Marina.
Elaine Galvin SOS commercial director, said: “We are thrilled with the positive reaction to Connect. Increasing numbers of law firms are recognising the benefits of this flexible and adaptable software solution that we can customise to meet the specific needs of different clients.
“Connect offers so many benefits including an automated email management system, intuitive time recording that ensures more billable time is captured, plus an easy to implement case management system.
“It also provides fee earners with the ability to scrutinise key performance indicators more closely and offers flexible access via the internet, making it the ideal solution for lawyers on the move.”
