ASP Survey

Univ. of Florida ASP Survey

Editor's Note: Please take a moment and fill out this short survey. Your participation is critical to its success! Andrew Adkins has generously agreed to provide a summary of the results in our December issue.

This survey is being conducted by the Legal Technology Institute at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. The purpose of this national study is to provide important information to the legal industry about how legal professionals view Application Service Provider technology. Your input to this survey is crucial to obtaining credible data. Our sincere gratitude to the sponsors of this survey: iManage; casecentral.com; eAttorney; eJur; ELF Technologies, Inc.; Elite.com; Gavel & Gown; Microsoft; NETwork ALTernatives; Network Technology Group; Niku for Legal; RealLegal.com; Union Square Technology Group; West Group.

This survey is designed to make your entries as effortless as possible. It should take no more than 15-20 minutes to complete. All those completing the survey will be entered into a grand prize drawing for five Palm handheld computers. The winners will be notified by October 31, 2000.

Please complete and return the survey to us as soon as possible so we may analyze all completed surveys and publish the results. All surveys must be postmarked by July 31, 2000 in order to qualify for the grand prize drawing. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and your valued input to the survey.

Final published results and additional information will be found at University of Florida.

Surveys should be returned to: Andrew Z. Adkins, III; Legal Technology Institute; P.O. Box 117644; Gainesville, FL 32611-7644.

Please PRINT clearly. Even if you are not familiar with ASPs, your input is vital AND you will be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing.

SECTION I. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU (This section must be completed for you to be entered into the final prize drawing)
1.	Name:____________________ Firm/Company:__________ Mailing Address:____ City, ST, Zip:___________ Phone:______________ Email:____________________
2.	Which best describes your title/position? * Managing Partner * Partner * Associate * Legal Administrator * Librarian * Information Services * Legal Assistant * Academic * Judicial * Other____________________
3.	Age Range * 20-25 * 26-30 * 31-40 * 41-50 * 51-65 * 66+
4.	Gender * Male * Female
5.	Which of the following publications do you read? (Select all that apply) * ABA Journal * Law Office Computing * ACCA Docket * Law Practice Management * The American Lawyer * Law Technology News * AmLaw Tech * Lawyer's Weekly * Corporate Counsel Magazine * Legal Assistant Today * Corporate Legal Times * Legal Management * Info World * National Law Journal * Information Week * Trial Magazine
SECTION II: GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE
6.	Type of practice (Select one only) * Private * Govt * Corporate * Academic * Judicial * Not-in-practice
7.	Number of years in practice/position (Select one only) * 1-2 * 3-5 * 6-10 * 11-15 * 16-20 * 21-25 * 26+ * N/A
8.	What are your primary practice areas? (Select all that apply) * Administrative Law * Admiralty/Maritime * Agriculture Law * Alternative Dispute Resolution * Antitrust & Trade Regulation * Banking & Finance * Bankruptcy * Business and Commercial Law * Civil Rights * Communications & Media Law * Constitutional Law * Construction Law * Criminal Law * Computer & Technology * Education Law * Election Campaign & Political Law * Electronic Commerce * Employment & Labor Law * Energy & Utilities Law * Entertainment, Sports & Leisure Law * Environmental Law * Estate Planning * Ethics & Professional Responsibility * Family Law * General Practice * Health & Healthcare Law * Immigration & Naturalization Law * Insurance Law * Intellectual Property Law * International Law * Litigation & Appeals * Military Law * Native Peoples Law * Personal Injury * Probate & Estate Administration * Products Liability Law * Professional Malpractice Law * Real Estate Law * Science & Technology Law * Securities Law * State, Local and Municipal Law * Taxation Law * Toxic Torts * Transportation Law * Worker's Compensation Law * Year 2000 Law
SECTION III: GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR FIRM
9.	Number of lawyers in your firm/law dept. (Select one only) * Solo * 2-5 * 6-10 * 11-15 * 16-25 * 26-40 * 41-70 * 71-100 * 101-250 * 251-500 * 501+ * Not applicable
10.	Number of office locations (Select one only) * 1 (No Branch offices) * 2 * 3+
11.	In which of the following geographic areas does your firm/law dept have offices? (Select all that apply) * United States * Africa * Asia * Australia * Canada * Central/South America * Europe * Mexico
12.	If your corporate or government law dept uses outside counsel, how many different law firms do you retain? (Select one only) * 1-5 * 6-10 * 11-50 * 51-100 * 101+ * Don't know * Not applicable
13.	Has the firm/law dept received an increase in the number of requests during the past year by clients to provide real-time access to case-related information (e.g. client collaboration, case management)? * Yes * No * Don't know
14.	Does your firm/law dept have a technology committee? * Yes * No * Don't know
15.	How many years does your firm/law dept target between desktop replacements? (Select one only) * Annual * 2 years * 3 years * More than 3 years * When they quit working * Don't know
SECTION IV: APPLICATION SERVICE PROVIDERS Application Service Providers (ASPs) are emerging in the computer industry as a new concept of providing software to businesses; the legal profession is no exception. The definitions of ASPs vary. For many legal professionals, ASPs represent a new "model" for purchasing software: renting software applications that run on the vendor's platform and are accessed via the Internet. The purpose of this part of the survey is to determine the legal professionals' understanding of ASPs, to determine the decision drivers and issues for law firms to evaluate ASPs, and to help determine factors affecting the market and potential pricing models for ASPs.
16.	How familiar are you with Application Service Providers (ASPs)? (1=not at all familiar; 5=extremely familiar) 1 2 3 4 5 * * * * *
17.	Where have you heard about ASPs? (Select all that apply) * Bar publications * Colleagues * Computer publications * Conferences * Internet * Legal technology publications * Sales calls * Other: __
18.	How would you define an ASP? (Select all that apply) * Online software rentals * Outsourcing computer services * Web-based applications * Access to software and other services * Access to sharing documents and information * Access to court case information
19.	Have you heard of the following legal specific ASPs? (Select all that apply) * 1st Legal * casecentral.com * ELF Technologies * Elite.com * IKON Virtual Filing Room (VFR) * Judicata.com * Legal Anywhere Collaborator * Merrill Corp. * Network Alternatives * Serengeti * Other_____________
20.	Does your firm/law dept currently use ASPs? * Yes * No * Don't know
21.	If yes, which of the following functions are provided by ASPs? (Select all that apply) * Backups * Brief Banks * Calendaring * Case Management * Contact Management * Court Access * Court Reporting Service * Discovery & Investigation Tracking Tools * Document Management * Document Repository * Email * Legal Research * Litigation Support * Real-time Collaboration * Time, Billing, Electronic Invoicing * Trial Transcripts * Video Conferencing * Word Processing * Other______________
22.	If yes, how satisfied are you with your current ASP? (1=not at all satisfied; 5=extremely satisfied) 1 2 3 4 5 N/A * * * * * *
23.	Whether or not you currently use an ASP, what do you see are the primary perceived barriers in your firm/law dept regarding use of ASPs? (Select all that apply) * Already have heavy investment in computers * ASPs are an unproven concept * ASPs are not a cost-effective solution * Concern about integrating ASP with current system * Concerned about quality and support of an ASP * Concerned about reliability of an ASP * Concerned about security when using an ASP * Concerned about the long-term viability of ASP * Cost of maintaining IT department * Cost of computer upgrades for ASP solution * Firm doesn't outsource * Firm prefers to purchase the application * Lack of ability to customize software on an ASP * Lack of local control of key data on an ASP * Most ASPs provide only one application
24.	What do you consider to be the best aspect of using ASPs? (Select one only) * Low initial cost of ASP * Low maintenance cost of ASP * Low technology investment for firm * Easy to integrate into firm * Easy to support * Easy to share information and work with clients * Monthly payment versus total up-front payment
25.	What do you consider to be the biggest problem with ASPs? (Select one only) * Integration into the firm/law dept * Security * Reliability * Support, Service * Total Cost of ASP * Understanding the concept of an ASP
26.	How likely is it that your firm/law dept would consider an ASP? (1=very unlikely; 5=extremely likely) 1 2 3 4 5 * * * * *
27.	When considering a move to an ASP model, who within the firm/law dept has significant input into the decision? (Select all that apply) * Managing Partner * Partner * Associate * Legal Administrator * Librarian * Information Services
28.	Please rate the following applications which your firm/law dept would consider adapting as an ASP model. (1=not at all likely; 5=extremely likely) 1 2 3 4 5 N/A Backups * * * * * * Brief Banks * * * * * * Calendaring * * * * * * Case Management * * * * * * Contact Management * * * * * * Court Access * * * * * * Court Reporting Services * * * * * * Discovery Tracking Tools * * * * * * Document Management * * * * * * Document Repository * * * * * * Email * * * * * * Legal Research * * * * * * Litigation Support * * * * * * Real-time Collaboration * * * * * * Time, Billing, Invoicing * * * * * * Trial Transcripts * * * * * * Video Conferencing * * * * * * Word Processing * * * * * * Other: __________ * * * * * *
29.	Please rank the order of preference for ASP price models? (1=most important) ___________ Per user, per application ___________ Per user, unlimited applications ___________ Per firm, limited number of users ___________ Per firm, unlimited number of users ___________ Per firm, unlimited users, unlimited applications
30.	Would your firm/law dept upgrade or install a high-speed Internet connection (if necessary) to gain use of ASPs? * Yes * No * Don't know

31.	Of the following, please rank the top five (5) in order of importance the decision drivers to move to an ASP? (1=most important) ___________ Access to ASP anytime, anywhere ___________ Availability of most advanced software ___________ Centralized control and billing for given ASP ___________ Clients requesting the firm to use an ASP ___________ Concentrate on practicing law & not technology ___________ Free up IT staff for other internal issues ___________ Greater Security for Confidential Data ___________ Guaranteed performance levels & uptime ___________ Lack of firm/law dept computer support ___________ Quicker implementation of hosted applications ___________ Predictable technology costs ___________ Software upgrades are automatic ___________ Try software before buying ___________ Other__________
32.	When considering competitive ASPs, can you rank the order of importance in choosing one ASP over other(s)? (1=most important) ___________ Brand/name recognition ___________ Multiple applications on single ASP ___________ Ability to utilize 3rd party services through ASP (e.g. copy services, court reporters, etc.) ___________ Cutting edge technology ___________ Ease of use ___________ Experience in the marketplace ___________ Number of clients ___________ Price ___________ Services, Support ___________ System reliability
33.	Please rank the order of importance. (1=least important; 5=most important) 1 2 3 4 5 N/A Applications on single ASP * * * * * * Encryption for ASP security * * * * * * Data storage with3rd party * * * * * * 3rd party billing for providers * * * * * * Digital certificates for * * * * * * ASP authentication
34.	If your firm/law dept switched to an ASP model, when would you expect the Return on Investment (ROI)? (Select one only) * Immediate * Within 3 months * Less than 1 year * More than 1 year * No expectations
35.	Would your firm/law dept consider using an ASP to deliver legal services (i.e., have clients subscribe to the firm/law dept ASP)? * Yes * No * Don't know
SECTION V: GENERAL COMPUTER INFORMATION
36.	Do you feel the desktop computer systems you use today are more or less reliable than systems used 5 or more years ago? (Select one only) * Today's systems are more reliable * Today's systems are less reliable * About the same
37.	Which network operating system does your firm/law dept use? (Select one only) * Novell * Microsoft Windows NT * Don't have a LAN * Don't know * Other____________________
38.	On average, how often does your firm/law dept plan a major network upgrade? (Select one only) * Every 2 years * Every 3 years * Every 4 years * Every 5 years * More than 5 years * Don't know
39.	When do you plan on the next major upgrade or change to your network? (Select one only) * 6 months * 12 months * 2 years * More than 2 years * Don't know
40.	Does your firm/law dept have a wide area network (WAN)? * Yes * No * Don't know
41.	Do you have remote access to your office network? * Yes * No * Don't know
42.	Which of the following word processors are used in your office? (Select all that apply) * WordPerfect DOS (5.1,5.1+, 6.0, 6.1) * Corel WordPerfect for Windows 6.1 * Corel WordPerfect for Windows 7.0/8.0 * Corel WordPerfect Office 2000 (ver 9.0) * Microsoft Word for Windows 2.0 * Microsoft Word for Windows 95/97 * Microsoft Word 2000 * Don't use word processor * Don't know * Other___
43.	Which word processor program is used most widely in your office? (Select one only) * Corel WordPerfect * Microsoft Word * Don't use word processor * Don't know * Other____________________
44.	Which integrated desktop suite is used most widely in your office? (Select one only) * Corel WordPerfect Office * Microsoft Office * Lotus Notes * Claris Works * Don't use desktop suite * Don't know * Other____________________
45.	Which time & billing system is used most widely in your office? (Select one only) * Barrister Javelin * Quickbooks * CMS Open * TABS III * Computrac * Timeslips * Elite * PCLaw/PCLaw Jr. * Juris * Don't use time & billing * Don't know * Other
46.	Which docket/calendar program is used most widely in your office? (Select one only) * Amicus Attorney * Microsoft OutLook * CLAS Manager * Novell GroupWise * CompuLaw * TimeMatters * Elite * Tussman * Don't use computer docket/calendar * Don't know * Other____________________
47.	Which document management system is used most widely in your office? (Select one only) * iManage * SoftSolutions * Novell GroupWise * WORLDOX * PC DOCS * Don't use document management system * Don't know * Other
48.	Which case management system is used most widely in your office? (Select one only) * Abacus Law * Elite * Amicus Attorney * PINS/Needles * Case Master III * TimeMatters * Don't use case management system * Don't know * Other____________________
49.	Which electronic mail program is used most widely at your desktop to communicate with others outside your organization? (Select one only) * America OnLine * Lotus Notes * Eudora * Netscape Email * Microsoft OutLook * Novell GroupWise * Don't use email * Don't know * Other____________________
50.	What type of computer(s) do you use at work? (Select all that apply) * PC desktop * PC portable * Macintosh desktop * Macintosh portable * Minicomputer * Don't use computer at work * Don't know * Other
51.	What is the operating system of your primary work computer? (Select one only) * Microsoft Windows 2000 * Microsoft Windows NT * Microsoft Windows 98 * Microsoft Windows 95 * Microsoft Windows 3.x * DOS (without Microsoft Windows) * MacintoshOS * UNIX * LINUX * Don't know * Not applicable * Other____________________
52.	What is the processor chip in your primary work computer? (Select one only) * Pentium III * Pentium/Pentium II * '486, '386, '286 * Macintosh * Don't know * Not applicable * Other____________________
53.	Do you currently use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view documents in portable document format (PDF)? * Yes * No * Don't know
54.	Do you currently have a license to Adobe Acrobat Writer to save word-processing documents to PDF? * Yes * No * Don't know
55.	Does your firm/law dept use video conferencing with clients, other lawyers or witnesses? * Yes * No * Don't know
56.	If yes, is the video conferencing secure? * Yes * No * Don't know
57.	Do you use "white-boarding" or some other form of electronic real-time collaboration? * Yes * No * Don't know
58.	If yes, which "white-boarding" system do you use? ___
SECTION VI: INTERNET USE AND ACCESS
59.	Do you personally use the Internet at work? * Yes * No
60.	If your firm/law dept does not currently access the Internet, what are the reasons? (Select all that apply) * Cost to upgrade computer * Cost to access Internet * Concern about accuracy of content * Concern about security on the Internet * Don't know enough about the Internet * Not enough content applicable * Consider the Internet unproductive * Not applicable * Other____________________

61.	If not, do you plan to obtain access to the Internet at work within the next 6 months? * Yes * No * Don't know
62.	How long have you had access to the Internet at work? (Select one only) * Less than 6 months * 6 months to 1 year * 1 - 2 years * More than 2 years * Don't know * Not applicable
63.	Who in the firm/law dept has access to the Internet? (Select all that apply) * Everyone * Managing Partner * Partners * Associates * Legal Administrator * Office Manager * Librarians * Information Services * Legal Assistants * Investigators * Secretaries * No one * Other____________________
64.	What hardware method do you use to access the Internet at work? (Select one only) * Single modem on your computer * Communications server * Direct Internet router connection * Through the firm's Wide Area Network * Don't know * Not applicable * Other____________________
65.	What is the speed of your Internet connection at work? (Select one only) * 33.3 kbps or less * 56.6 kbps * ISDN * T-1 * DSL * Cable Service * Don't know * Not applicable * Other____________________
66.	Through which online service do you access the Internet at work? (Select all that apply) * AT&T * America OnLine * CompuServe * EarthLink * MCI/Cable & Wireless * Microsoft Network * Mindspring * Netcom * Local Internet Service Provider (ISP) * Don't know * Not applicable * Other___
67.	Which Web browser do you primarily use? (Select one only) * Netscape Communicator, Navigator * Microsoft Internet Explorer * America OnLine * CompuServe * Opera * Don't use Web browser * Don't know * Other___
68.	Do you ever download software from the Internet? * Yes * No
69.	How concerned are you about the following Internet issues? (1=no concern at all; 5=extremely concerned) 1 2 3 4 5 N/A Speed, performance * * * * * * Computer viruses * * * * * * Secure transactions * * * * * * Email security * * * * * * Confidentiality * * * * * * Internet reliability * * * * * * Content authenticity * * * * * *
70.	In the next year, do you think your firm/law dept use of the Internet will increase, decrease or stay the same? (Select one only) * Increase * Decrease * Stay the same
71.	Does your firm/law dept have an Intranet (e.g. provide access to internal resources that you view through a Web browser)? * Yes * No * Don't know
72.	If no, does your firm/law dept plan to have an Intranet in the future? (Select one only) * 6 months * 1 year * 2+ years * Never * Don't know * Not applicable
73.	Does your firm/law dept have an Extranet, which is the extension of an Intranet that allows selected clients to access some of the firm's/law dept's private data? * Yes * No * Don't know
74.	If no, does your firm/law dept plan to have an Extranet in the future? (Select one only) * 6 months * 1 year * 2+ years * Never * Don't know * Not applicable
75.	If yes, is your firm/law dept paying for the costs of building and maintaining Extranets for the clients, or are you passing along the costs? (Select one only) * The firm pays costs * Costs are passed along to client(s) * Costs are split between firm and client(s) * Don't know * Not applicable * Other____________________
76.	If yes, with what percentage of your client base are you using Extranets? (Select one only) * 1-10% * 11-25% * 26-50% * Over 50% * Don't know * Not applicable
77.	If yes, what functions do you primarily use on the Extranet? (Select all that apply) * Calendaring * Case information * Case-related documents * Firm contact information * Firm/law dept resources (e.g. library, brief bank) * Time & expense information * Not applicable * Other____________
78.	Does your firm have an Internet Web site? * Yes * No * Don't know
79.	If no, does your firm/law dept plan to have a Web site within the next 6 months? * Yes * No * Don't know
80.	If yes, where is the Web site hosted? (Select one only) * In-house Web server * External Web host * Both * Don't know
81.	Do you use Internet email for the following? (Select all that apply) * Email only - colleagues within firm * Email only - co-counsel * Email only - opposing counsel * Email only - clients * Email only - courts * Email with attachments - colleagues within firm * Email with attachments - co-counsel * Email with attachments - opposing counsel * Email with attachments - clients * Email with attachments - courts
82.	Do you use encryption or other additional security when sending confidential e-mail to clients using the Internet? * Yes * No * Don't know
83.	Does your firm/law dept electronically file documents with the court or other public agencies? * Yes * No * Don't know
84.	In your opinion, how secure is your current system at work? (e.g. desktop computer, computer network, Internet access, communications) (1=not at all secure; 5=extremely secure) 1 2 3 4 5 N/A * * * * * *
85.	What is the speed of your Internet connection at home? (Select one only) * 33.3 kbps or less * 56.6 kbps * Cable Service * DSL * ISDN * T-1 * Don't use Internet at home * Don't know * Not applicable * Other
SECTION VII: COMPUTER DEPARTMENT & BUDGET
86.	How many people are in the firm/law dept computer department? (Select one only) * None * 1 * 2-5 *6-10 * 11-20 * Over 20 * Don't know
87.	What has been the experience with turnover among computer department staff? (1=no turnover at all; 5=extreme turnover) 1 2 3 4 5 N/A * * * * * *
88.	What is the responsibility of the computer department staff? (Select all that apply) * Recommend technology * Purchase technology * Hardware installation * Software installation * Network installation * Hardware maintenance * Software maintenance * Network maintenance * Training * Help desk support * Don't know * Not applicable
89.	Is the firm/law dept satisfied with the level of service provided by the computer staff? (1=not at all satisfied; 5=extremely satisfied) 1 2 3 4 5 N/A * * * * * *
90.	Does the firm/law dept believe the computer staff adds a competitive advantage in delivering value to the firm's clients? (1=no value at all; 5=extremely valuable) 1 2 3 4 5 N/A * * * * * *
91.	According to independent studies, the average law firm spends $500 per attorney per month on technology-related expenses (including the initial and on-going equipment cost, staff and administration, support, maintenance, etc.). Would you estimate your cost to be: * Higher * Equivalent * Lower * Don't know
92.	Does your firm/law dept outsource any of the following? (Select all that apply) * Payroll * Office Equipment Lease * Legal Research * Computer Support * Other____________