The critical problem involves external memory, i.e. floppy disk or archive memory, which, for efficient processing purposes must be 'on line' while the program is running. For word processing purposes, this is, again, usually available with few problems, but for data processing, it is frequently the Archilies heel! So what are the expected needs of various sizes of law offices for 'on-line' external storage of data? Table I is a quick overview for a fUlly-integrated data processing program-one that handles both 'time/account/billing' functions as well as the regular accounting books of the office including financial statements, aging of accounts
receivable and lawyer productivity reports. And why are these measurements critical? Because very few 5" floppy disk drives can handle the data needs of a fUlly-integrated data processing program without excessive and very inefficient 'disk swapping.' Furthermore, even many 8" floppy drive systems handle such data processing requirements badly because either (1) the disks each have low capacity (e.g. neither double sided nor double density) or (2) there are not enough disk drives available where data can be accessed as needed simultaneously. So, to illustrate, if a 3-lawyer office expecting to grow to 5 or 7 in
the next few years were to choose a barely adequate system now, it would assuredly regret that choice shortly as either clients or timekeepers increased in number or service demands. Because of space limitations, the third element of the trilogy of 'Need, Software & Hardware' will be discussed in the next issue. Entitled "Software, the Solution to Lawyers' Needs", this last element is crucial. Meanwhile, readers who want references to ABA Economics Section monographs or other sources of relevant help from which extracts have been summarized above may write to the author at 1039 Vista View Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108. Please enclose a stamped and self-addressed envelope.
TABLE 1: DATA PROCESSING DISK STORAGE REQUIREMENTS BY SIZE OF LAW OFFICE Based upon the following presumed averages: (1) 100 active clients per lawyer; (2) 2 active legal matters per client; (3) 45 days of unbilled data--<:alled work in process or W/P; (4) 50 bills mailed per month, and (5) 3-month collection cycle. (All data shown in Kbytes.) Realistic Needs per size of law office Irreducible 5 ace-Programs Kb es
Solo
2-5
6-10
11-15
16-20
21-25
language, forms, backup and other utililies
100-125
Applications program for "lime/accounting billing" only I. 'Program' requirements
135-200 235-325 325
325
325
325
350
350
40 300
600-1500
1800-3000
3300-4500
4800-6000
6300-7500
Totals of I & II Complete Accounting-Data General ledger, financial statements, management reports and journals
625
925-1825
2125-3325
3625-4825
5150-6350
6650-7850
100
100
100
125
125
150
Space requirements for total package
725
1025-1925
2225-3425
3750-4950
5275-6475
6800-8000
Micro operating system including routines for
Time/Accounting and Billing-Data Timekeeper, client and maner TIme records, advances for clients -unbilled I.e. W P
Billings mailed but unpaidso-called 'accounts receivable' Practice specialties, standard rates, billing phrases and other utility functions and reports
II. Total per timekeeper
115 68 77
July 1983/Arkansas Lawyer/127