System technology - how important is it?

Law firm portals are not terribly sophisticated systems in terms of today's large and complex applications. Any of a number of technologies are capability of putting out strong, functional portal systems. But, here are a few things to watch out for.

1) Avoid flat file database packages or open source database packages. There are numerous portal systems running on relational database packages (Oracle or SQL Server based) - enough so that one can safely exclude proprietary database packages and open source (mySQL) packages when selecting a technology backbone for their portal. Choices like this align the company deploying a law firm portal with vendors and technologies offering maintenance contacts, security patches, and service level assurances one does not typically receive from open source packages.

2) Avoid systems that require internet browser plugins. Systems that require java to be running on the browser, or any other bolt-on package, will not be well received by your clients. They might not have the required plug-ins, and if they do not, your portal will not work on their machines. Deploy a portal that runs solely on Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Also, be sure your portal package is backward compatible a few browser versions.

3) Ask the portal vendor how difficult it is to add new fields or components to the law firm portal package. If they have done a good job coding their system, it should be easy for them to support your needs going forward. It is not wise for clients to get "locked-in" to certain sets of functionality in today's business world where change is all around of and client needs or requests might dictate that you deploy other types of functionality within your law firm portal.

4) Find a vendor that has chosen to keep the interface relatively simple. Cool FLASH introductions or sophisticated graphics look quite nice, but if you have a client with a relatively slow internet connection or an older PC, these additions might make their user experience poor (and, no one will use a system that takes more than 3-5 seconds to load up). Keeping the interface simple will position you to provide better response time and a more positive user experience (since all of us prefer systems that respond quickly). Law firm portals are business systems, not entertainment vehicles.