Mention to anyone that I provide independent advice on eDiscovery software options, I inevitably get the question “So, what is the best eDiscovery Software”?
Where do I start to respond to that one !
The short answer is that there is no ‘one size fits all approach’ when it comes to eDiscovery software. Each product has slightly different features, with some better suited to certain matters more than others.
Invest the time
I have always believed that software is secondary to getting the right practices in place to effectively managing eDiscovery.
It is about finding the right eDiscovery software – software that suits your requirements !
It is crucial to invest the time in finding the right eDiscovery software that will assist you and how you work (which may be a completely different product to what the firm has in the office next door).
It is important to fully understand what you require from your software, before you go ahead and make that investment. I have always found an unbiased independent perspective is valuable in explaining the pros and cons of the respective options – more than you can expect from those selling the product.
There are many considerations that can impact your software selection. These considerations may include (and certainly not limited to) –
- What is it that you want to achieve?
- What do you want to do with the software?
- Do you want to dig deeper to find the key facts fast and know what key information you have, or do you just simply want to review the information and produce it?
- Volume of documents?
- How many users?
- Installed in-house vs externally hosted (and supported)?
- Do you want the software to be managed externally or do you prefer to be self-sufficient?
Volumes only continue to increase
With the volumes of information continuing to increase it is essential to use software that enables smarter ways to tackle eDiscovery – ways that are also proportionate and cost effective.
My rule of thumb has always been as the volumes and complexity of a matter increase, then so does the need to look at more powerful tools.
Even if you are content with your existing software, it is important to keep abreast of what else is available. You may have a preferred option that works for most matters, and then look to explore another option when the requirements necessitate. I would encourage you to look around, so you have an alternative option ready to go if required.
If you need help to find the best eDiscovery software solution for you, don’t hesitate to contact me.
