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New Web site not at full speed

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New Web site not at full speed

Free legal research delayed until the server is upgraded

An unexpected combination of high usage and technical problems have caused a delay in the full implementation of the Bar’s new Web site design, including the startup of the FastCase free legal research service for members.

In a sense, the site became a victim of its own success, which resulted in the number of users and technical demands rising faster than expected, which caused an overload on the Bar’s server.

As planned, the Bar’s revamped Web site went online on June 1, but problems immediately occurred. Because of technical demands from the revamped site and its improved navigation abilities, combined with high Web site usage, the Bar’s server slowed response time to a crawl.

“The usage went up faster than anticipated,” said George Rudge, director of the Bar’s Information Services Division. “The new Web site design is more complex and between that and increased demand, there wasn’t enough horsepower.”

The Bar, seeing the higher usage, had budgeted a new server for the 2005-06 fiscal year, which begins July 1. But it wasn’t anticipated it would be needed so quickly.

Rudge said his department is now on a rush course to get the new server installed and running, which should be accomplished by mid to late summer.

Much of the higher usage of the Bar’s Web site comes from the storefront section that offers Bar members the online opportunity to pay their annual membership fees, check their CLE hours, and sign up for CLE courses.

To combat the initial difficulties, the Bar restored its old Web site for a few days while sorting out problems. Then a limited version of the new site, containing all of the graphic improvements but not all of the technical advancements, was installed. Specifically, the Bar’s goal of being able to reach any information in three mouse clicks or less won’t be fully realized until the new server is up and running.

Another service that had to be delayed, hopefully only for a short time, is the Bar’s new free online legal research service from FastCase. Programs Division Director Mike Tartaglia said that had been planned to be added to the site in early June, but the problems have pushed that back. At Bar News press time, he hoped that FastCase free service would be available as this edition reaches readers. Lawyers should look under the Member Services section of the site.

Tartaglia said while the free part of the service, which offers access to Florida case law, statutes, rules, and related information, was held up, Bar members can still get the second part of the program immediately. That gives access to FastCase’s national database of cases and laws for $195 annually — a steep discount off the normal price.

To subscribe to the FastCase national database program call FastCase at (866) 773-2782 and request The Florida Bar rate.

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