Today's issue of TechnoLawyer NewsWire covers an accounting and practice management system (see article below), a mobile dictation and transcription app, a hosted service for processing eDiscovery documents, a Google Apps add-on for collaboration, and brainstorming and mind mapping software. Don't miss the next issue.
Can Your Billing and Practice Management System Do That?
Times are still tough. Law firms like yours need every possible operational advantage. This means getting paid faster and with greater operational efficiency. So put your existing software products on the witness stand and give them a thorough cross examination. For example, can your billing and accounting software process credit cards? Can your practice management system integrate with a hosted Exchange server? Do you know which clients are profitable and which ones are a financial burden?
Tabs3 and PracticeMaster version 15.3 … in One Sentence
Software Technology's Tabs3 and PracticeMaster version 15.3 comprise an integrated suite of software products that offer billing, practice management, check writing, and general ledger and trust accounting.
The Killer Feature
Paper or plastic? You may want to start asking your clients this question, paper referring to a check and plastic referring to a credit card.
The new version of Tabs3 can process credit card transactions in both the general ledger and trust accounts depending on how and when you process payments and retainers. The new trust accounts integration enables you to comply with ethical rules required by your state bar.
Also, Tabs3 uses First National Merchant Solutions (FNMS) for processing and settlement. Thanks to the installed base of Tabs3 users, Software Technology has worked out favorable discount rates. FNMS deposits your credit card transaction into any bank account you choose. Thus, you need not open up any new bank accounts.
Other Notable Features
Software Technology also focused on email integration in version 15.3. PracticeMaster has integrated with Outlook and Microsoft Exchange going back several versions. However, the new version of PracticeMaster now integrates with hosted Exchange servers, which an increasing number of small and midsize firms use.
Generally, PracticeMaster offers client and case information, shared calendars, conflict checking, customizable data entry forms for specific practice areas, time tracking, document tracking, instant messaging, and integration with CompuLaw Court Rules.
Notable Tabs3 features include batch exporting of bills to individual PDF files, reports that rank clients by billings, WIP, write offs, and more, flexible billing options for virtually any arrangement, and compensation rules for fee distribution.
What Else Should You Know?
Pricing for Tabs3 starts at $295. Pricing for PracticeMaster starts at $150 (Basic) or $295 (Premier). Learn more about Tabs3 and PracticeMaster version 15.3.
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So many products, so little time. In each issue of TechnoLawyer NewsWire, you'll learn about five new products for the legal profession. Pressed for time? The "In One Sentence" section describes each product in one sentence, and the "Killer Feature" section describes each product's most compelling feature. The TechnoLawyer NewsWire newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.
