The rise of digital transformation and skyrocketing demand for online and on-call software solutions continues to push enterprises and their legal departments to innovate at speed and scale. That's why nearly half will be using open source software (whose code is freely modifiable and distributable) and similar high-tech tools by 2022, according to enterprise software provider Red Hat's recent State of Enterprise Open Source report. But in the face of rising data privacy and compliance concerns, it's also important to remember. Legal leaders and the organizations that they serve face a growing need to balance agility and cost-efficiency in software development with enhanced security and user experience as well.

Luckily for businesses and legal departments seeking to rapidly and affordably deploy cloud, mobile, or Web-based apps and services, a little foresight and planning can help address these requirements. In effect, every day, the bar continues to be raised in terms of what both staffers and customers alike expect from digital and online solutions. But while it's crucial that your creations be fast, reliable, and easy to use, it's also imperative that they be secure and dependable. Finding ways to build high-quality software faster while managing these challenges is essential. Doing so requires not only putting the right technology tools in place, but also putting a growing emphasis on processes and people.