The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/57001
• Make sure you know local building occupancy codes. I experienced delays when an entire office's electrical system had to be rewired in Dubai because of a contractor's mistake on the code. • Do your research on any software/hardware issues (for example, BlackBerry BES servers and encryption restrictions have recently been an issue in the UAE). • There might be security restrictions enforced by the DOD. The Personal Side of International Travel and Support • Jet Lag: Flying to a new part of the world where the day/time is off from your normal sleep cycle will require some time to adjust. • Exhaustion: At some point, you'll probably experience that 16-hour nonstop flight that departs at 3:00 a.m. And yes, you'll need to go straight into the office to work for eight to 12 hours. • Wasted Time in Airports: There will be unplanned layovers, flight delays and canceled flights. • Compromise for Conference Calls: Some calls will need to take place at 6:00 a.m. or 11:00 p.m. so you match up with the work hours of the international office. • Taxi Confusion: Communicating your desired destination to a foreign driver can be an adventure. T IP: Have the address written down in the native language, and give that to the driver. • Some countries might make you uncomfortable, where you really do feel foreign. With Your Shield of Armor Global desktop support creates new challenges and rewards, but being aware of the path that lies ahead can arm you with the knowledge to succeed. In the end, people are basically the same everywhere; they want to get their jobs done with a minimal amount of problems with their computers. Your job is to make that a reality for the people in your global offices. Your hard work, along with your people, management and technical skills, will get the job done, and you will solve the world's problems … well, at least the global desktop problem in your office. Another life saved! • Traffic Gridlock: You think it's bad where you live?! • Pubs and Other Local Venues: One of the fringe benefits! Miscellaneous • In some countries, they take your passport while you are there. Make a copy and keep it with you at all times. David Svoboda is the Chief Information Officer at Strasburger & Price L.L.P. He has more than 25 years of management experience in the legal industry, starting out with legal vertical vendors then working as an IT manager and associate director at Baker Botts L.L.P. David has extensive experience managing IT, KM and practice support in law offices across multiple U.S. cities and in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He can be reached at david.svoboda@strasburger.com. 56 Peer to Peer