An Interview with John Harbison

Manager, Knowledge Services

Howrey, Simon, Arnold & White

Reprinted with Permission

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askSam: Mr. Harbison, how would you describe your firm and your role within it?

JOHN HARBISON: I am currently the Manager of Knowledge Services for a 550 lawyer firm located in Washington, DC.  I co-founded the first askSam Users Group in the country in 1986 here in DC, and began networking with other askSam users nationwide soon after.  I can proudly say I have been a loyal "sam" user for over 12 years!  

askSam: Which of our product(s) do you use and what applications have you found for askSam?

JOHN HARBISON:   I have used askSam since 1985 and have developed applications from the DOS versions to Windows versions, including the Electronic Publisher and the new Web Publisher.  In 1994-95, while the Network Administrator for a previous law firm, I used askSam to develop an application tracking a $440 Million - yes million - securities class action litigation case.  It was used by four branch offices, from DC, Omaha, Atlanta, to NY.  I managed it through our WAN connection and created billing records directly from the database so the partner in charge could bill the client.  The first check that came in was for $675,000 - now that's payback!  The firm literally could not have managed the full-text requirements without askSam!

askSam:  How has askSam made your job easier, faster or more efficient?

JOHN HARBISON:    I have used askSam to fully automate two law libraries, track documents in a records department, litigation support (see above), and to fully manage my own information, which is based upon contacts and projects.  I would answer the question by stating that next to my wife, kids, and golf, askSam is the other love of my life!

askSam:  Can you tell me about what kind of customer support you have received as a user?

JOHN HARBISON:   As a user & developer of extensive, custom designed applications, I can tell you that technical support was crucial.  In every way, askSam came through with assistance, advice, and overall support.  Unlike almost all other "big name" software companies, the responsiveness from askSam is unparalleled.  

askSam:  Would you recommend askSam and why?

JOHN HARBISON:   I would recommend askSam wholeheartedly.  In this technological sea change, it is refreshing to find a product that sets no limits to your creativity.  It is a critical tool in my arsenal of information wizardry!

askSam:  What applications do you plan for askSam in the future?

JOHN HARBISON:    I plan on using askSam to assist me more with Web information management issues - front end searching to web-based documents and catalogues.

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John Harbison

Manager, Knowledge Services

Howrey, Simon, Arnold & White

1299 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Washington, DC  20004

Phone: (202) 383-6701

Work Email: harbisonj@howrey.com

Home Email: jharbiso@comcast.net