Buy Versus Build for Legal Matter Management Software | Legal Files Software

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Deciding whether to build or buy software is a big decision

 In the world of legal matter management software, there are two general options. You can buy a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution or pay someone to create a custom system for your organization. COTS software tends to be less expensive than custom solutions; however, custom systems can offer more versatility.

Larger organizations like corporations, government agencies, and universities tend to think, “We need a system that does something specific, so we should ask IT to build it.” While a custom-built system can be designed for a specific purpose, building one usually takes much longer than anticipated.

So, is there a better option? One that combines the affordability of a COTS solution with the flexibility of a custom-built system? Yes. It’s called Legal Files Software.

Legal Files Software gives users the best of both worlds

Custom-built legal matter management systems are often used when a COTS solution doesn’t fit an organization’s unique needs. Legal departments may have a specific requirement or they might need their cloud-based matter management software to work cohesively with existing systems. In these situations, legal departments think they have no other option than to build legal best matter management software from the ground up. However, there are other choices.

According to Matt Ryan, Legal Files Senior Consultant, “Legal Files Software is a highly-customizable COTS, so you get the best of both worlds.” Legal Files Software is the ideal balance of custom-developed software and a COTS solution. Our legal matter management software offers customization that is usually only found in expensive, custom-built solutions, while featuring the reasonable price of a COTS solution. We also support upgrades and provide a working product while you customize and build the best case management software solution for your office.

How does Legal Files Software make this possible? By offering an affordable COTS solution that includes built-in customization. With Legal Files Software, you can easily modify the software to include the fields and features that are relevant to your organization. In fact, it’s so easy that, after the initial setup, members of the legal department can alter and update the system, without help from IT.

Legal Files Software also makes integration a breeze

Our team realizes that it’s important for your legal matter management system to fit into your existing infrastructure. To help integrate Legal Files Software into your office, our application program interface (API) allows you to build your own integration or have the Legal Files Software team do it for you.

Smaller competitors don’t offer integration, while bigger ones offer the service for a significant amount of money. However, Legal Files Software is the middle ground. “We do custom integration routinely,” Matt said. It’s just one of the many services that are designed to make the transition to Legal Files Software as stress-free as possible.

According to Matt, “If you’re thinking of building your own solution, talk to Legal Files Software first.” The ability to customize, the attractive price-point, and the superior customer service may change your mind.