When comparing on-premise software like Worldox to a pure cloud-based program like NetDocuments, the on-premise software often looks cheaper. On-Premise software like Worldox has a high one-time cost and a nominal yearly support cost. NetDocuments is sold as Software as a Service (SaaS), meaning you have a subscription.  

Starting in 2002, I set up Exchange and Small Business servers for Law Firms. In 2004, I became a Worldox consultant and set up and supported Worldox for around 30 firms. 2010, I got out of the server business, and in 2016, I did my last Worldox install. Since 2010, I have set up NetDocuments for 450 law firms, including those in the United States and Canada.  

Since I have been out of the IT Services and Worldox game for a bit, I decided to run the numbers by someone who is the IT Director of an 80-person law firm in New Orleans that is running Worldox.  

I made the following assumptions to create an accurate quote:

• The Law Firm has 1 Terabyte of storage
• There are 30 total users
• The Law Firm uses a Managed Service Provider and not Break Fix. 
• All the Equipment exists onsite and not in a data center. 

Depending on these variables, your costs might be more or less.  

To run Worldox, you will need two machines: the Worldox Indexer and the Server where the documents are stored.    

The Worldox Indexer

The Worldox Indexer should be a powerful machine but does not need to be a server. A powerful Windows 11 Desktop will do.

• Worldox Indexer Machine Cost = $2000
• MSP Cost to set up Machine = $500
• MSP Cost to Support = $50 a month or $600 a year.

The Document Storage \ Worldox Application Server

The Document Storage \ Worldox Application Server is where all the documents reside. It’s also where the Worldox Program resides. We probably need multiple hard drives set up in a Raid Array for redundancy purposes. 

• Worldox Document Storage Machine = $4,000
• MSP Cost to Setup Machine = $1500
• MSP Cost to Support = $250 a month or $3000 a year

Worldox Maintenance

The Cost for Worldox Technical Support and updates to new versions of Worldox is bundled at a yearly cost per user.  

• Worldox Annual Support $110 a User for 30 Users= $3300 a year

Backups

With Worldox running locally at your office, you are responsible for backing up your data. NetDocuments provides peace of mind with its triple redundant data centers located in the United States. You don’t need to worry about backing up your data if running NetDocuments.  

• 1 Terabyte at  $1*a Gigabyte = $1000 per month or $12,000 a year

Listen to my Podcast with Ernie, the Attorney, about backing up your Law Firm’s Data.  

Not Included in these numbers

• Power Costs to run the server and indexer at your office.
• Antivirus software for the Worldox Document Server.
• Worldox Web\Terminal Server, which gives you the ability to use Worldox Outside of the office.  
• The $15,000 it would cost to buy Worldox for 30 Users.
• Set up costs for Worldox.  Those would probably be close to the setup cost for NetDocuments.  

Total Backup and IT Costs

Total Cost of Backup Per Year = $6,000

Total MSP Cost for Support Per Year = $3,600

Worldox Maintenance = $3,300

Total Firm Cost Per Year = $12,900.00 

Total Cost a user a year = $430

Total Cost a user a month = $36

Total Hardware and Set Up Costs

I am going with the assumption that you will replace your Equipment every three years.  

Total Cost of Equipment = $6000

Total Cost of Setup = $2000

Total: $8000 

I am going to split that Cost over three years

Total Firm Cost Per Year = $,2667 

Total Cost a user a year = $89

Total Cost a user a month = $8

The Total Cost to Run Worldox on-premise is $44 a User a Month

$44 a user a month to run Worldox. That doesn’t include the following:

• The $15,000 it would cost in Worldox Licensing.
• The ability to use Worldox remotely, including smartphones, macs, and home computers.
• The integration with DocuSign
• The ability to send secure links to your client
• Seamless integration with multiple offices.
• Protection from Ransomware

To make an apples-to-apples comparison of on-premise and cloud-based software, include the costs associated with running the software on-premise. You can accurately weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both options and make the best decision for your business. 

While I was a Worldox Consultant, 100% of my business now comes from implementing NetDocuments at Law Firms.  For more information about NetDocuments, please click HERE.