Kleos' Cloud Migration Journey to Microsoft Azure
Interview with Sergio Liscia, Vice President & General Manager of Wolters Kluwer Legal Software
In September 2022, Wolters Kluwer embarked on a significant project - the Journey to the Cloud for our law firm practice management software, Kleos. The ambitious objective was to transition all customer data from T-Systems’ private hosting infrastructure to Microsoft Azure’s cloud-native ecosystem.
We interviewed Sergio Liscia, Vice President & General Manager of Wolters Kluwer Legal Software, to discuss the project, its benefits, and the future of Kleos with Microsoft.
It's a pleasure to have you here, Sergio. Could you shed some light on Kleos transition to Azure's cloud service?
Sergio Liscia: Thank you for having me. Indeed, this project, which involves relocating over 11,000 Kleos customers to Microsoft Azure, underlines our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in Kleos. Notably, Kleos is the only pan-European legal practice management software that operates natively in the cloud.
What were the main factors that initiated this project?
Sergio Liscia: Several factors influenced our decision to transition, all aimed at enhancing value for our customers. Firstly, Azure provides the crucial agility and scalability for Kleos' growth. Thanks to Azure's flexible and dynamic infrastructure, our customers enjoy a high-performing, future-proof cloud environment that grows with their needs, and which operates smoothly and efficiently. Another key element is our dedication to digital innovation. By harnessing Azure's continuous updates and advancements in technology, we can stay ahead of the curve. Furthermore, Azure's robust security and disaster recovery provides rigorous protection in an increasingly vulnerable digital world and ensures our customer's data remains secure and recoverable.
Could you explain how Azure's security measures enhance data protection for Kleos customers?
Sergio Liscia: Azure is equipped with advanced security features such as encryption, firewalls, and threat detection mechanisms, which we utilize to safeguard our clients' data. By capitalizing on these security measures, Kleos provides comprehensive protection for sensitive legal information against unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Azure's solid disaster recovery and backup solutions further enhance our clients' peace of mind. They can be assured that their data is not only well-protected but also swiftly recoverable in the event of any unforeseen situations, courtesy of daily backups. Kleos raises the bar with its market-leading security standards, employing robust encryption methods at the highest level in an ISO 27001 certified data center. Furthermore, we store the data of our EU customers within the EU, safeguarded by access keys that are inaccessible to providers, thereby guaranteeing utmost confidentiality and privacy.
A recent global incident did temporarily impact Kleos' accessibility. How do you view these unforeseen events?
Sergio Liscia: It is important to note that such issues are rare. While no system is entirely immune to occasional disruptions, we believe that the benefits and advantages of the Azure cloud server outweigh any potential long-term concerns.
Could you elaborate on how the transition to Azure aligns with Kleos' long-term objectives?
Sergio Liscia: Moving Kleos to a native cloud environment such as Microsoft Azure opens doors for us to adopt cutting-edge technologies and continually evolve our offering. It empowers us to keep developing Kleos with more advanced features and capabilities, staying ahead of our competitors and addressing the evolving needs of our customers. Additionally, Azure's worldwide presence helps us broaden Kleos' reach to different geographies, to be the frontrunner in practice management solutions across Europe.
Thinking about the future, what innovations can we envision for Kleos?
Sergio Liscia: Our investment in building Kleos on Microsoft Azure promises exciting opportunities for our customers. We foresee multiple enhancements, such as the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) for automation of case management tasks. Plus, we can delve into advanced data analytics and visualization, providing actionable insights and performance metrics to law firms.
To sum up, our strategic transition to Azure facilitates the continuous innovation and enhancement of Kleos, resulting in a more reliable, efficient, and user-centric experience. This pivotal shift not only distinguishes us from competitors but also strengthens our capability to effectively scale and innovate. Through our delivery of a high-performing, stable law firm management solution that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office applications, Kleos enables impactful results where they matter most for lawyers, in boosting daily efficiency and delivering exceptional client service. This steadfast commitment to empowering law firms in their pursuit of excellence encapsulates the essence of our mission at Wolters Kluwer.
Thank you for your insights, Sergio. Your input has provided valuable context on how Kleos’ native cloud environment enhances customer value and can transform legal practice management.
