Collaborative software has transformed the way intellectual property is managed and protected in recent years. It allows IP lawyers and their clients to work together in protecting a trademark or domain name portfolio from theft and improper use. Cloud technology has made the development of this type of collaborative software easier and more effective – in 11 very different ways.
1. Flexible working
Businesses that have fluctuating bandwidth demands need to be able to scale up and scale down their capacity at short notice. Cloud technology gives organisations the flexibility they need to increase and decrease their bandwidth in line with the needs of their operation. This approach can cut costs and give businesses a distinctive edge over their competitors.
2. Automatic updates
The successful implementation of collaborative software requires all users to have access to exactly the same version, which means regular updates are essential. Using cloud technology to develop an IP management system ensures that software updates are scheduled and executed automatically. The less time you spend on maintaining collaborative software, the more time you will have for trademark monitoring and protecting the intellectual property rights of your clients.
3. Easier collaboration
When your clients and colleagues can edit, share and upload documents from anywhere in the world, collaboration becomes a great deal easier. Updates can be made in real-time, which means everyone involved has full visibility at all times. Improving the ease of the collaboration process usually leads to more effective software that really serves the needs and interests of the client.
4. Work remotely
As long as you have access to a reliable internet connection, cloud technology will allow you to collaborate with colleagues and clients from anywhere in the world. The ability to work remotely can improve productivity levels and morale within your workforce. It also means the collaboration process isn’t interrupted when key members of your team are away from their desk.
5. Improved security
Using cloud technology to develop collaborative software means you will never have to worry about a lost laptop harming the interests of your business. All of your data is stored on remote servers, which means you can access it from any internet-enabled device. There’s also no need to worry about your data being lost to viruses and hackers, as the latest cloud technology is highly secure. Moreover, if you ever lose a laptop, cloud technology allows you to erase sensitive data remotely.
6. Cost-effective disaster recovery
All businesses should plan for the worst-case scenario when it comes to their data and IT systems. Disaster recovery plans can be very expensive to set up – particularly for small businesses that lack cash and expertise. But by developing collaborative software over the cloud, the costs of disaster recovery can be slashed. Indeed, most cloud technologies now come with built-in disaster recovery processes.
7. No capital expenditure required
Developing collaborative software with real hardware is often too expensive for small firms. But using the cloud for development can cut the cost involved dramatically. Instead of purchasing expensive hardware, small businesses can get the same results with relatively modest subscriptions. And without time-consuming setup and management to worry about, the key individuals in your organisation can devote their time to the job at hand.
8. Safer and more convenient access to documents
Before the age of cloud computing, remote collaboration usually involved a barrage of emails with attached documents. This process often leads to a mess of conflicting file consents, titles and formats. However, the cloud has made the development of collaborative software a great deal easier. Users can now have access to the files based in their security clearance. All files and documents can be stored centrally, making collaborative working easier and more secure.
9. Improved competitiveness
Developing software is an expensive process, often involving costly equipment and the services of IT professionals. But using the cloud gives smaller businesses the opportunity to cut costs and compete with much larger competitors. The ability to subscribe to cloud-based services allows smaller businesses to develop their own software at a fraction of what it would cost otherwise.
10. Innovate with ease
The flexibility provided to businesses by cloud technologies allows them to quickly deploy new projects and initiatives. New software can be rolled out to all users simultaneously – ensuring no one in your team is left behind.
11. Good for the environment
Software development can leave a significant carbon footprint, but using cloud technology means your server capacity adjusts automatically to the demands you’re placing on it. Relying on your own expensive servers to host complex software systems can use a significant amount of energy – much of which will be wasted due to over-capacity.
IPzen, an IP management system in the cloud
The benefits of developing software with cloud technology listed above can drive customer satisfaction and improve the efficiency of your IP management system. IPzen is a web-based platform that IP lawyers and clients can access from anywhere in the world. With a single login name and password, you, your colleagues and your clients will be able to access files and watch results for domain names, trademarks and social networks. You will also be able to stay on top of your case files with deadline tracking management.
This user-friendly IP portfolio tool provides secure access to sensitive data by those who need it. Electronic file management gives IP lawyers and their clients quick and convenient access to the documents they need. A matters management module allows users to track the use of files, and a trademark module provides a quick overview of a trademark’s protection status. Monitor and manage all of your intellectual property titles in once place.
But don’t take our word for it. See for yourself what IPzen can do for your law firm or your company. Get in touch today to arrange an online demonstration of this powerful, cloud-based IP management system.
