SOS comes out top in head to head with Axxia

Leading software supplier, SOS, has secured new business following a detailed review of legal IT suppliers by Preston-based Napthens, after it merged with Roscoes, which has offices in Preston, Blackburn and Bamber Bridge.

When the two law firms made the decision to merge earlier this year it created a dilemma regarding software.

Napthens had been using SOS Practice Management – which is designed to support the entire legal practice – for five years while Roscoes had Axxia as its incumbent supplier.

Choosing the preferred software supplier was an important decision and to ensure that the merged company reached the correct outcome, a working party was established. Comprising partners, practice managers, support staff and cashiers the group assessed both systems in detail over a number of weeks.

Bob Kipling will become Head of Operations for the merged company, which is to be called Napthens. He explained how the outcome was reached: “The unanimous verdict was to retain SOS as our supplier. We felt the SOS software package provided better functionality, particularly its integration with Microsoft Outlook; it offered better value for money; and SOS was able to handle the handover period more effectively.”

Software developed by the Bath-based legal systems solution provider is currently used by more than 400 legal practices throughout the country - including several ‘Top 100’ firms - and has a 100 per cent installation success record.

Napthens uses SOS software, in conjunction with Visualfiles case management software, to achieve a highly integrated case and practice management system.

Added Bob: “It’s a great system because of its enhanced document and email management capabilities coupled with the sophisticated accounting system. It is also extremely flexible and the back-up support from SOS has been first rate.”

The deal will see the user base growing from 63 licences up to 113. The handover is taking place at the beginning of November.

SOS managing director, Michael Platt, said: “We are particularly pleased that our software has undergone such a thorough review and come out top.

“It is an exciting time for SOS. Over the last three years we have been developing new and highly flexible solutions using the latest technology that is delivering real commercial benefits to UK law firms.”