The question is posed: Should ABC Law Firm virtualize the workstations with Ubuntu as an alternative operating system? Virtualization refers to creating a virtual version of something rather than an actual version, which can be used on computer hardware, operating systems or desktops.
After researching this alternative, there is a major security threat posed with running Ubuntu on the workstations of ABC Law Firm. Since the operating system is open source, anyone can program back door access which could lead to security risks. This could lead to confidential data being comprised including employee and client financials and personal information.
In addition, Wine acts as a API layer between Ubuntu and the Windows based software. Wine does not guarantee that the accounting system and document management system will operate with Ubuntu which again can cause major concerns. Since the firm is in its fourth year of operation, investing in another accounting system and document management system would not be prudent.
Another dimension to review is the third party support agreements the firm has in place. ABC Law Firm has third party support agreements in place with Tabs3 in the amount of $3,000 per year and Worldox $2,800 per year. These two software programs are specifically made to run on a Windows based platform. If the firm was to run these applications through Wine and Ubuntu, the service agreements can be null and void leading to further issues for the firm. Lastly, our third party IT representative would not be able to support Ubuntu since he does not have specialized training in it. Lastly, centralized Linux/Ubuntu support may be difficult to locate and is costlier than Windows which can about increase IT costs.
This analysis is purely addressing the drawbacks to virtualizing the workstations with Ubuntu as an alternative operating system. It would be in ABC Law Firm's best interest not to use Ubuntu as a dual operating system. In addition, this analysis does not consider the training costs involved including lost billable hours, installation of Ubuntu and maintenance.
However, desktop virtualization has proved to be a highly effective means of conducting business for ABC Law Firm. ABC Law Firm established desktop virtualization or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) for all employees through its remote access. When employees are not physically in the office, they can access their workstations through a specific remote access website. Employees are designated to a specific workstation with a username and password. Employees can interact or "log in" to the host computer (workstation) using another desktop computer, laptop or mobile device through an internet connection.
The firm's data and confidential information is never actually saved to employees' personal desktops or laptops since it could create potential security risks. In addition, if personal devices are infected with a virus the firm's workstations and server will be protected since no information actually exists on the personal devices.
The question is posed: Has desktop virtualization had any impacts both positively or negatively on ABC Law Firm?
One major impact that desktop virtualization had for the firm was during Hurricane Sandy. The firm's physical office was without power and employees were not able to travel to and from the office. Remote access granted employees the ability to work from home and continue generating revenue through billable hours.
The table below describes the potential lost revenue if the firm did not implement desktop virtualization. As one can see, the firm could have lost about $180,000.00 during those 8 days without physical access to the office. That would have had a significant impact on a firm only in its second year of operation. Desktop virtualization is a wonderful tool to provide employees not only during inclement weather days but also while traveling or attending meetings.
| Potentially Lost Revenue | |||||
| Title | Hourly Rate | Average Hours Billed Per Day | Total Revenue Per Day | Work Days without Power | Total Lost Revenue |
| Partner 1 | $425.00 | 7 | $2,975.00 | 8 | $23,800.00 |
| Partner 2 | $375.00 | 7 | $2,625.00 | 8 | $21,000.00 |
| Partner 3 | $375.00 | 7 | $2,625.00 | 8 | $21,000.00 |
| Of Counsel 1 | $350.00 | 7 | $2,450.00 | 8 | $19,600.00 |
| Of Counsel 2 | $350.00 | 7 | $2,450.00 | 8 | $19,600.00 |
| Of Counsel 3 | $350.00 | 7 | $2,450.00 | 8 | $19,600.00 |
| Of Counsel 4 (part time) | $350.00 | 4 | $1,400.00 | 8 | $11,200.00 |
| Of Counsel 5 (part time) | $350.00 | 4 | $1,400.00 | 8 | $11,200.00 |
| Associate | $250.00 | 7 | $1,750.00 | 8 | $14,000.00 |
| Paralegal 1 | $125.00 | 5 | $625.00 | 8 | $5,000.00 |
| Paralegal 2 | $125.00 | 5 | $625.00 | 8 | $5,000.00 |
| Paralegal 3 | $125.00 | 5 | $625.00 | 8 | $5,000.00 |
| Paralegal 4 (part time) | $125.00 | 4 | $500.00 | 8 | $4,000.00 |
| TOTAL REVENUE LOST | $180,000.00 | ||||
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