President's Corner

Here's Amicus Attorney V

Ron Collins, president, Gavel & Gown Software Inc.

THE LATEST edition of Amicus Attorney practice management software was introduced at ABA TECHSHOW in Chicago by Gavel & Gown Software Inc. The upgraded version ships this month, and includes new "AAI" technology, enabling users to transport information to or from the Amicus Attorney desktop, using any e-mail enabled device (such as a Palm organizer, Blackberry PDA, or cell phone).

Three new modules are included: "Library" offers knowledge management tools to organize legal research and practice management information, reports the company, based in Toronto. "Dailies" brings the Internet to the desktop, and a "ComCenter" unites e-mail and phone communications with client files and contact details.

The Client/Server version provides bi-directional synchronization with Microsoft Outlook; and flexible security profiles for up to 500 different users.

Information: Reader Response no. 328.

Document Management

Merrill, Trion Tie the Knot

ST. PAUL, Minn.-based Merrill Corp.'s document management services business unit and Cleveland's TRION Technologies have signed a joint development and marketing agreement. Merrill's executive team will assume responsibility for the management of the combined companies. Merrill's DMS business includes browser-based repositories that use its UR-Law litigation data management software; electronic discovery support, facilities management, and more.

Information: Reader Response no. 331.

Time & Billing

Juris Powered by SQL/Server

JURIS 2.0 supports all levels of Microsoft's SQL/Server 2000, including Microsoft Desktop Database Engine (MSDE).

Using the SQL/Server 2000 database allows the central Juris database to reside in one space, advises Tom Collins, president of Juris Inc., based in Brentwood, Tenn. "The size of database SQL/Server 2000 can manage far exceeds previous technology."

Other benefits will include improved security, and better performance. The new edition is scheduled for release 2Q.

Information: Reader Response no. 327.

Document Management

IKON Goes Digital

IKON Office Solutions has introduced its new Digital Scan-to-File services for the legal community. IKON reports that its more than 90 locations across the country will use the imaging technology to create digital images, as well as to digitally number those images and produce high-quality paper copies, the Valley Forge, Pa., company says.

Information: Reader Response no. 333.

Litigation Support

Sanction II Adds New Web Features

VERDICT SYSTEMS, of Tempe, Ariz., has introduced Sanction II, the second edition of its litigation support software.

Sanction II is a document management and multimedia presentation system that helps trial attorneys assemble case exhibits -- including video and audio clips, transcripts and diagrams -- into digital presentations.

The upgrade includes new Web-based interfaces, offering integration with online services and litigation software from Concordance, CaseMap, Live-Note, iCONECT and JFS Litigator's Notebook.

It also offers improved search capabilities. Users now can integrate their PowerPoint presentations, and create timelines and bullet point lists, with links to exhibits.

Last year, the company won a multi-year, renewable contract to provide a Sanction site license to all U.S. Attorney's offices.

Information: Reader Response no. 332.

Sizzlers!

Sure there's a bumpy road right now for technology stocks, but that's not stopping legal vendors from cranking out new innovations and services.

After months of speculation about when it would emerge from under its very tight wraps, Flywheel Communications Inc. says it will open for business 2Q to create a secure Internet-based service for "the management of rights" among businesses." In essence, that sounds like it's going to be an Extranet-on-steroids, where negotiators can collaborate and store documents, etc.

But in any case, it's bound to be interesting, considering that Flywheel is founded by former Netscape general counsel Roberta Katz, ex-SEC commissioner Joseph Grundfest, and James Jones, former vice chair and general counsel of APCO Associates.Partners include Hildebrandt International, RSA Security, Loudcloud, VeriSign and Securify.

Information: Reader Response no. 329.

Linklaters & Alliance reports that the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (a.k.a. the World Bank) will use the firm's BLUE FLAG World Bank, an online documentation and transaction management system. It allows participating banks to document drawdowns online and in real time. The World Bank last year gave $15.3 billion in loans.

Information: Reader Response no. 330.