David Lawrenson wrote an excellent article recent on the subject of keeping notes and records; see http: / /www .propertysecrets .net /article /going _on _record _what _uk _landlords _need _to _know _about _record _keeping /2603 .html for the article in question.

I would like to respectfully ask forum members whether they would consider using a document management service to store such records. Advantages are:

1. Security. Documents stored in a secure and redundant fashin to minimise the risk of loss.
2. Searchability. Documents filed and scanned so they can be easily searched for keywords.
3. Accessibility. View and print documents from any Internet browser anywhere in the world. Documents can be shared with third parties such as agents, tax consultants or accountants.

The key benefits are that you do not need a scanner, nor lots of storage space in your PC and you don't have to worry about backing up your data. All you need is internet access and a browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.

I'd very much appreciate it if you would let me know if such a service that was easy to use, flexible and above all cost effective would be of interest to you?

If yes then any suggestions or feedback would be welcome along with your email address for future reference.

If no then again feedback as to your reasons. Why not and what puts you off? What would cause you to change your mind?

If you want to discuss this further then please get in touch.

Thanks

Hugh.

Further details.
I appreciate some of you will recognise this proposition as what is known in the trade as a document mangement system and you would be right. However most of these systems are difficult to use and not readily available to small businesses and partnerships. What I am thinking of is an offering with commercial features but geared much more at the small user both from a technical perspective but more importantly, a pricing level that fits.

Wow - ok.. great post and a great question. I think document services are great but you can do the same thing by renting a box at a bank to store documents. Scan things and burn to CDs and store.