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    Technology Trends for Attorneys for 2018

    by SimpleLaw on
    Case management software Lawyer

    Technology continues to transform industries. So, do you want to get a head start on the technology trends of 2018? SimpleLaw is here to help. We have compiled a list of the top 5 tech trends that you need to know for the new year. Attorneys, these technology trends provide more efficiency, ease of access to data, and security, which benefits you and your clients.

    Blockchain

    You may have heard the term ‘blockchain’ talked about in reference to cybersecurity. But what exactly is it? Data records, referred to as ‘blocks’, connect with the previous piece of data, or block. As a result, they connect. Hence, the process is referred to as  ‘blockchain'. Blockchain is extremely difficult to hack or forge. It has been used to track financial assets, store and verify a person’s signature, and with cybersecurity. It could benefit lawyers and their clients as people can use blockchain to sign legal contracts no matter where they are. 90% of major North American and European banks are exploring blockchain opportunities.

    Automation

    Machines are becoming smarter every day. They can do more for us, and this is where automation comes into play by using algorithms. These algorithms predict future actions. That includes the words you type to when your files are saved on your computer. In addition, dangerous jobs can be automated, using robotics. From a legal standpoint, lawyers see greater efficiency with document automation. Every version of a document can be automatically saved. Control limits, limits on who can sign, and a workflow setup similar to those in used by case management systems are options as well.

    Datafication

    In this day and age, everything that we do can be datafied. Whether listening to music, eating, or working out, all of that information translates to data. What's more, we double existing data every two years. In the average minute, over 900,000 people login to Facebook. And, people send around 156 million emails per minute. Expect even more datafication to happen in 2018.

    Platforms for Business

    A platform acts as a facilitator for the consumer, making interactions between the users and the business. For example, Amazon, Uber, Facebook, and Twitter are all platforms. These platforms are moving beyond transactions and becoming an online gathering point for customers. These platforms are active for more than just tech companies. For instance, Ford is starting to utilize a platform for it’s business.

    Artificial Intelligence

    Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is intelligence shown by machines, in contrast to natural intelligence that is shown by humans. The massive increase in data and computing power is driving progress in AI. More data means more accuracy for the computers. Artificial Intelligence can do more human tasks than ever before, such as recognizing human faces and voices. Amazon’s Alexa is a prime example of Artificial Intelligence.

    Technology delivers greater efficiency, ease of access to data and security. Undoubtedly, valuable benefits for all attorneys. However, knowing how to use it, when to use it, and making sure you make the optimal selection are key. It all starts with a basic understanding of modern technology trends.

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