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NetDocuments vs iManage: Which Document Management System Fits Your Firm?

Both lead legal document management. Cloud-native vs cloud-and-on-prem, and what IT must support.

NetDocuments and iManage are the two leading document management systems for law firms. NetDocuments is cloud-native and was built as a hosted service from the start; iManage offers both a cloud service and on-premises deployments with deep enterprise features. Firms choose between them on deployment preference, integrations, and the size and complexity of the practice.

NetDocuments

  • Deployment: cloud only. No servers to run, updates handled by the vendor.
  • Strengths: simple to adopt and administer, strong Microsoft 365 and Outlook integration, built-in security and compliance features, a good fit for small and mid-sized firms and for firms that want to eliminate infrastructure.
  • Considerations: customization is within what the platform offers; heavy workflow and integration needs may require add-ons.

iManage

  • Deployment: iManage Cloud, or on-premises for firms with specific control requirements.
  • Strengths: deep enterprise features, extensive integrations and workflow tools, strong governance and records management, widely used by larger firms and corporate legal departments.
  • Considerations: more to administer, especially on-premises; implementation is a larger project.

Questions that decide it

  1. Do you want any servers? If no, NetDocuments or iManage Cloud.
  2. How complex are your matter workflows and integrations? More complex favors iManage.
  3. What do your peer firms and lateral hires use? Familiarity shortens adoption.
  4. What does your practice-management system integrate with best?
  5. What do corporate clients' security questionnaires require?

What IT must support either way

Identity and MFA integration with Microsoft 365, reliable and secure remote access, Outlook and Office integration on every device, migration from the old DMS or file shares with folder and permission redesign (see SharePoint vs OneDrive for why structure matters), endpoint encryption, and backup or retention strategy appropriate to the platform.

Mentis Group supports both platforms as part of managed IT for law firms in Dallas-Fort Worth. See what managed IT looks like for a law firm for the broader program.

Have a question about your own environment? Schedule a consultation with Mentis Group or call (866) 901-7808.