Appleby Spurling and Kempe has slashed the time it takes to incorporate an exempted company from 20 hours to three and a half since it put the service on the Internet.

The legal firm has reported a great success since it became the first such company in the world earlier this month to offer online incorporation for exempt companies.

David Lines, who created AS&K's on-line service, said going on the Internet had enabled the company and clients to save time because some documents which had to be filled out individually were now automatically generated by computer.

After clients fill out an initial questionnaire, the information is automatically filled out in subsequent forms.

Mr. Lines said the company had taken an "ideological shift'' to embrace e-commerce but it had proved a tremendous success.

Speaking at the Bermuda Public Services Association conference at the Elbow Beach Hotel yesterday, Mr. Lines said: "Lawyers are the most conservative people on Earth.

"Six months ago I went to the head of our new companies division. You wouldn't believe the resistence, but we did it.

"We are the only law firm in Bermuda to provide an e-commerce solution and the only law firm with a solution like this in the world.

"Before, there was resistence, but our management is enlightened. It's just amazing, I've had telephone calls every day.

"It's a huge ideological shift. I feel like a born-again Christian. The client response has been fantastic.

"Before, we would have clients calling in saying they didn't understand this or that and we would get incomplete questionnaires.

AS&K blazes new e-commerce trail "It's not just going on-line, it is creating a better client service. We are better served now as a jurisdiction. From a jurisdictional perspective, we need a grasp of technology.'' The company's website now has a help section for every question asked on the questionnaire, which speeds up the process immensely.

AS&K incorporated around 450 exempt companies last year, a process involving more than 40 documents each. The average incorporation time has fallen from 20 hours to three and a half.

Mr. Lines told the BPSA's seminar on "Maximising Your Potential in an Electronic World'' that Bermuda was one of the most electronically advanced countries in the world at the cutting edge of new technology.

He said: "You have to shift in your own mind so you accept technology into your lives.'' Sharon Bailie, XL Capital's information technology manager at the company's world headquarters in Bermuda, told the seminar the key to the Island's success was the flexible commercial environment, partnership with business, and access to technology.

She said technology had transformed the way international companies do business.

"In the past, it was a necessary evil; today it has its rightful position in the boardroom as a key business tool.

"Technology is setting new rules of engagement. In the early days, we were there to do automatic manual tasks. Today, we are on key committees to look at business opportunities.

"The implications for Bermuda's international and local businesses are very clear: the world is one marketplace and communication has never been easier.'' She said XL used a private, secure, Internet site to communicate from headquarters on the Island to the company's 28 offices around the world.

"Technology will make our working life less complex. Who can think back five years ago when they were first sat in front of a computer and was afraid? "We have to let go of the fear and maximise your potential. Be part of the change and enjoy the experience that information technology and the Internet can give you.

"The benefits to you are endless; the benefits to your company are enormous.

If you can't do it, you've got to get trained.''