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Are You Ready for eDiscovery in the Cloud? Takeaways from Putting Insights Into Practice

Feb 28, 2019

As companies and law firms struggle with managing increasing amounts of data, cloud-based solutions are becoming an important option to consider. This year’s CDS Putting Insights Into Practice event had several panels focused on eDiscovery, including one focusing on the benefits of eDiscovery in the cloud. While many companies have moved at least some of their data to the cloud, when it comes to eDiscovery and its workflows there are additional advantages. Among the key points discussed by the panel include:

Extensibility On Demand. Cloud platforms can easily scale up to accommodate larger quantities of information. They also enable companies to make data available easily on a global level but also control access to meet localized privacy laws.

Software Development. Working with a eDiscovery cloud-service provider enables companies to outsource infrastructure and technical expertise to lower costs, increase predictability, and improve outcomes. This also helps companies to more accurately budget costs as they shift from capital expenses to operational expenses. From a technology perspective, they also gain access to regular updates, new features and remediation while reducing staff that would have been needed to update and monitor the related equipment and software.

Security. As businesses move sensitive data to the cloud and outside their immediate control, there are more security risks. Companies must weigh the advantages and risks for storing different types of data in different types of cloud environments. There is no one size fits all solution for companies and they may need to consider options such as private cloud and hybrid cloud platforms if their specific circumstances warrant them. In addition, for those subject to strict government regulation, cloud environments must also meet additional security standards.

Transitioning. Should a business jump right in or just test the waters? There is no right answer. As with any investment, it is important to evaluate issues such as budgets, security, infrastructure status and other concerns.

For companies and firms who choose to move forward it is crucial to carefully assess and compare cloud platforms in terms of functionality, reliability, and security. In the context of eDiscovery, service providers can provide expertise in evaluating when and how to use cloud solutions to maximize its benefits and minimize the risks.

For more information on this topic, read our related post: Step Away from the Backup Tapes: Moving to a Cloud Data Repository.

We will also be sharing insights from our other Putting Insights Into Practice panels in future posts.

If you are utilizing or considering a cloud solution for eDiscovery, contact us for a consultation.

About the Author

Chris O'Connor

Chris O'Connor

As the Director of eDiscovery Strategy, Chris O’Connor advises clients on the use of technology in all aspects of the eDiscovery Reference Model (EDRM) from collection through production. He applies his deep knowledge of legal technology and processes to the design of case strategies and workflows to be implemented by clients and the CDS Project Management Team.

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