Case Management • Practice Management • Matter Management • Legal Accounting • Reporting • Fee Earner Desktop • Legal Aid • Debt Recovery
The Evolution & Development of ALphaLAW Legal Systems
- 1976 First design of legal accounting system to operate on new technology micro computers. Written in COBOL and based upon mainframe transaction processing techniques. No name applied. Operates under CP/M and MP/M operating system on Rair Black Box and Equinox micros.
- 1982 Redesigned based upon increased knowledge of legal market requirements and upon experience gained in supporting 100 plus firms. Named Solicitors Management System SMS.
- 1984 Major enhancements include extended functionality in accounting together with the addition of other non accounting functions, such as document registers. Renamed SMS II.
- 1984 DOS version produced for operation on IBM and compatible PCs.
- 1984 MSS becomes one of the first Law Society recognised suppliers.
- 1985 Version produced for operating on the Alpha Microsystems range of powerful multi-user micro/mini computers. Renamed AlphaLAW. Extra functionality added for large users including multi-branch operation.
- 1985 Multi-user Alpha Microsytems version converted to operate on PC networks and renamed AlphaLAW-NET. Further large system requirements added including extended client/matter database,cheque writing, diary.
- 1985 AlphaLAW-DEBT debt collection system produced with integrated form production.
- 1986 First 100 plus user system installed.
- 1986 Amstrad release low cost PC. Low cost COBRA LEGAL accounting and Time Recording system produced for users of low cost PCs. First volume sales of any 'shrink wrapped' legal software product.
- 1989 System produced for Southern Ireland in conjunction with Irish Law Society.
- 1991 COBRA LEGAL renamed AlphaLAW-PC.
- 1992 UNIX version of AlphaLAW-NET produced.
- 1993 AlphaLAW-PC renamed AlphaLAW-JUNIOR.
- 1993 Legal Aid support added to AlphaLAW-NET including Legal Aid Billing module.
- 1994 Integrated Case Manager added to AlphaLAW-NET.
- 1996 Users of AlphaLAW software exceed 1000.
- 1997 AlphaLAW-esprit designed and written to operate under the WINDOWS environment. Based upon AlphaLAW-JUNIOR but with major user interface enhancements. AlphaLAW awarded LOTIE as Best Back Office Product.
- 1998 AlphaLAW-vantage written for medium to large firm requirements. Uses latest ODBC technology together with total integration with Microsoft Office products. AlphaLAW awarded LOTIE as Best Back Office Product.
- 1999 New advanced Case Manager designed as integral part of AlphaLAW-vantage. AlphaLAW awarded LOTIE as Best Back Office Product.
- 1999 All legacy systems converted to year 2000 compliance.
- 1999 User base reaches 1500.
- 2000 New WINDOWS version of AlphaLAW-DEBT produced incorporating HotDocs forms and integrated E-mail.
- 2001 AlphaLAW awarded LOTIE as Best Legal Office Technology Product.
- 2002 Credit control option added to AlphaLAW-debt.
- 2003 AlphaLAW-debt renamed AlphaLAW-claimIT.
- 2004 First .NET designed components released for AlphaLAW-vantage.