The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/27607
ASK THE VENDOR As we see PDAs become more a computing platform and less an accessory, what specific implications arise from that trend? When a PDA becomes a computing platform and can do everything a desktop/laptop can do, then the need for a desktop/laptop ceases to exist (I define this as going beyond device-specific apps and having standard programming languages, so they can run on any device). The implications of this are as follows: • There will be fewer devices for firms to support. IT will have a simpler job and costs should go down. • People will no longer be tied to their desktop/laptop to get their work done, so lawyers will truly be 100% mobile. From a technological point of view, security will be an issue (if we’re referring to use of PDAs by firm staff). From a marketing point of view, one challenge will be how to tailor content and present it in a way that works on the majority of consumer formats. However, the biggest implication will be content generation itself. The ease with which people can receive information has created a new demand for content delivered with greater frequency; thus, firms must work harder than ever to create content. Additionally, the social nature of mobile devices has led to a greater demand for personal content (i.e., information created by the individual rather than a marketing department, or at least the perception of such). There’s opportunity to leverage the personalities within the firm and distribute their knowledge to a larger audience via mobile social channels. ILTA Peer to Peer the quarterly magazine of ILTA 29