Law Firms Using Outdated Software Must Make Key Decisions

Personal injury law firms still running Saga case management software on their desktops are cutting it close.

Personal injury law firms still running Saga case management software on their desktops are cutting it close. These firms have until April 2014 to choose a different software system. Aderant, the owner of Saga, has informed all Saga customers that the software system will reach its “end of life” next April, meaning Aderant will no longer support users of the Saga system in any capacity, including customer service.

Law firms thinking they may be able to squeeze some extra life out of Saga should remember that the 32-bit version of Microsoft Windows XP won’t be supported after April 8, 2014, according to an official Microsoft announcement. This means Windows will no longer issue software updates, including the security updates that protect PCs from harmful viruses, spyware and malicious malware capable of pilfering sensitive information.

Personal injury law firms still using Saga are in a difficult position; their only option is to find new case management software. Chances are many of these firms are in the process of shopping for a new system that caters to the specific needs of personal injury law firms. Many developers of case management software are aware of this and have been seeking to capitalize on this situation as an opportunity to grow their business by enlisting former Saga users.

SmartAdvocate, however, is outdoing them all with a current promotion specifically for Saga users: At no charge, for the period of the promotion, Saga users who switch to SmartAdvocate will get free Saga conversion, including data, templates and merge codes.

This is a huge incentive considering how costly and time-consuming the process of converting data from one case management software system to another is. In fact, the conversion process is such a massive undertaking it has been reported that some law firms still using Saga are expected to purchase a new system, then commence only a partial conversion or no conversion at all, opting instead to continue running Saga alongside their new system, and phasing Saga out slowly over time as the law cases residing within the software reach conclusion.

In an effort to target those firms seeking to avoid or delay a full conversion, some software developers are offering to evaluate and suggest options regarding partial conversion. Consulting firms have even reared their heads, seeking a burrow in this market.

SmartAdvocate is addressing the conversion process head-on, telling potential clients that it has the time, the team and the resources to provide former Saga users with a seamless transition – at no charge.

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