Robert Ambrogi Blog
CosmoLex, the cloud-based practice management application, is today introducing an integration with the cloud document-management platform NetDocuments. The integration will allow its customers to access and interact with client emails and documents stored in NetDocuments from directly within their client matters.
This integration adds NetDocuments to the options available within CosmoLex to integrate with third-party DMS systems. It already integrates with Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Microsoft OneDrive for Business.
Earlier this week, I was given a preview of the integration by Rick Kabra, CosmoLex president, and Pankaj Gupta, chief technology officer.
A toggle switch activates the integration.
Within CosmoLex, a toggle switch activates the integration. Once it is activated, the user is taken to NetDocuments to authorize the integration and designate a root folder to store documents related to client matters in CosmoLex.
One the setup is complete, then, when a user views a matter within CosmoLex, the user is able to see the associated documents and emails from within NetDocuments. The user is able to see and manage the associated folder structure in NetDocuments and the lists of documents within each folder.
From within a client matter, the user can see associated files in NetDocuments.
When the user creates a new matter within CosmoLex, the associated file structure is automatically created as a new Workspace within NetDocuments.
A key feature of NetDocuments is the ability it gives users to define sets of document attributes that make them easier to find, such as document type, document author and area of law. The integration carries those attributes over to CosmoLex. When a user uploads a new document from CosmoLex to NetDocuments, the user can use drop-down menus to select and assign any of the NetDocuments attributes.
When uploading a new document, the user can assign attributes from NetDocuments.
Gupta said that because NetDocuments has a number of advanced features for managing and working with documents, the integration is designed on the assumption that users will want easy access to the NetDocuments application.
The integration achieves this via a “Go to ND Workspace” button that the user can click when viewing a matter’s files within CosmoLex. That directly opens the corollary workspace in NetDocuments. If the user wishes to view a specific file, a click on the file name will open it in NetDocuments.
“Everything we design is meant to set our clients up for success by leveraging technology, so it makes sense to partner with NetDocuments, another company that truly values the benefits and mobility of the cloud,” Kabra said. “Our team is always looking for new ways to help our clients become more efficient and effective, and this integration certainly achieves that goal.”
Update on CosmoLex Acquisition
Last October, CosmoLex was acquired by Software Technology LLC, developer of Tabs3 Software, a leading desktop law practice management program. While I was speaking with Kabra this week, he also gave me an update on this corporate union of cloud and desktop applications, which will remain separate products.
Since October, the CosmoLex portion of the company has continued to grow, expanding its headcount of full-time employees from 40 to 65, Kabra said. The number of paying customers of the combined products has also grown, he said, to more than 110,000.
Following the acquisition, the companies when through a transition period of a few months in which their focus was on integrating their operations and processes. That phase is now complete and both companies are renewing their focus on development, sales and marketing.
“At CosmoLex, this has been transformative for us,” Kabra said. Not only has the company added more employees, but it is also spending more on development, sales and marketing.
“As the cloud is maturing and the market is maturing,” Kabra said,” it is good to have a few stable companies that are likely to be around a long time.”