Migrated from eDJGroupInc.com. Author: Barry Murphy. Published: 2011-09-20 22:45:55 Get used to “the cloud” playing a major role in eDiscovery. Whether organizations source cloud-based storage, EDD processing and hosted review, or application via software-as-a-service (SaaS) delivery, the cloud is of interest to a large majority of consumers. While general market data shows that many information management professionals have concerns about SaaS and cloud-based services, the legal market – generally more conservative when it comes to cutting-edge technology – is a cloud pioneer.We are getting more and more inquiries on the cloud and its role in the eDiscovery market. To understand it better, we conducted a survey on the topic and have just started analyzing the results. One statistic stands out immediately: almost 70% of respondents are leaning toward using the cloud or a hybrid cloud/on-premise solution for eDiscovery. Only a quarter of respondents indicated not leaning towards utilizing the cloud.
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- Lower costs
- Provider can spread costs across multiple clients
- Easy web-based access to data
- No need to manage infrastructure
- Access to cutting-edge applications without need to manage upgrades and maintenance
- Can leverage best-of-breed approach
- Ability to bolster internal project management staff
- Use of experienced outside expert witnesses if needed
- Experienced with expert testimony
- Documentation methodologies
- Experience working with litigators
- Legal expertise
That kind of sizable majority indicates that the cloud is here to stay. As expected, the main concerns – typically voiced from IT and not necessarily Legal – are security and privacy. The actual location of data is also a topic on the minds of consumers. It’s time to dig down deep into the details of cloud-based services to better understand best practices, potential pitfalls, and how to set up agreement with providers that will protect consumers in the event an eDiscovery need arises. eDJ is planning a new survey around the topic. Should you have questions you would like to see included in the survey, feel free to shoot me a note.