The Gazette 1991

GAZETTE

DECEMBER 1991

Technology News Requisitions on Title

systems were used, the document required a substantial conversion process before it could be used, then when it was transferred back to the original user the conversion had to take place all over again. Now there is news from the United Kingdom of a system which enables documents to be sent between systems by a combination of fax and computer and which can provide the means to convert and check the document at the other end. Legal Information Exchange (LIX) has launched a communica- tions application which allows for rapid transfer of word processed documents between its users. The documents are converted to the correct word processing version at either end and the system checks the received material for formatting etc. The system also provides for revision and marking of word processed drafts in a readable styla Clearly, the system is only as good as the number of users and the company is reported to be actively recruiting new users throughout the UK. LIX is a non profit making distribution company which has received sponsorship from the English Law Society and the Bar Council. Opening Windowsl Many practitioners may feel confused lately by the introduction into any computer related dis- cussion of the term "windows". The term can be used to describe the product developed by Macintosh as Windows 3.0 follow- ing on the Apple/Macintosh range of applications. In its generic sense, windows is better described as a Graphical User Interface. Graphical User Interface replaces the cumbersome operating methods of keys and commands with a series of graphical images on the screen that are manipulated through a hand held device known as a mouse. This blend of screen images called icons and the mouse

pointer makes operation of a computer system manageable for the least computer literate amongst us. Many existing computer applications are in the process of introducing the interfaces for use with their product. Wang have introduced Upword for use with Wang WP; Word Perfect are launching wi ndows for Word Perfect in late 1991 or early 1992 and Wordstar are working on Wordstar Legacy for an early release. This column is contributed by members of the Technology Advisory Group, an informal grouping of solicitors who, with the approval of the Technology Committee of the Law Society, seek to promote awareness and use of technology within the profession. Further details from the Honorary Secretary, John Furlong, c/o William Fry, Solicitors, Fitzwilton House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2. • The Comprehensive Service Valuations Acquisitions Sales Mergers Consultancy The Douglas Llambias Group Contact DavidWilson In London or Dublin Clifton HOUM 410 Strand Lowar FiUwilliam Stroot London WC2R ONS Dublin 2 03071-836 6904 01-613788

The limited number of Irish sourced support packages has been added to in the past few weeks with the launch by the Dublin Solicitors Bar Association of an automated requisitions on title package known as CORT (Computerised Objections and Requisitions on Title). The system which incorporates the standard form of requisition on title is designed to save time and to simplify the procedure in respect of requisitions. The system is intended for use by solicitors acting for a vendor who can compile a standard form of requisition with the appropriate replies suited to the sale or transfer in hand. In using the system, the vendors solicitor will raise the standard Requisitions on Title (excluding obvious requisitions which are inapplicable to the particular transaction e.g. flats or licensing where the sale is of a second hand dwelling house). The content of the requisitions cannot be varied from the current editions issued by the Incorporated Law Society. It is envisaged that the vendors solicitor will send the completed Requisitions with the appropriate replies to the purchaser's solicitor at the time he returns the executed contract to the purchaser. CORT operates on IBM compatible PCs and is available in network versions. Minimum PC requirements are 512k memory and 2Mb disk. The system will print to any standard printer. Further details on the system are available from Noltag Computer Services at Dublin (01) 724911. (See also report on page 427) Moving Documents When a Word Processed document is complete the quickest way to transfer it to counsel or to another firm who may be making further revisions of it is by giving them a copy of the disc with the document on it. Until now if different

YOUR WILL can help Irish Wheelchair Association For donationa and furthar particulara contact: Miriam McNally Irish Wheelchair Association Áras Chuchulain, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf. Dublin 3. Tel: 338241

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