In the complex world of electronic discovery, the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) serves as a crucial roadmap for legal professionals and organizations alike. At S2|DATA, we’ve made it our mission to not just understand the EDRM, but to excel in its implementation, providing our clients with unparalleled command over their legacy data. Let’s dive into what the EDRM is and how S2|DATA’s expertise aligns with this essential framework.

Understanding the EDRM

The EDRM is a comprehensive guide that outlines the various stages of the eDiscovery process. It provides a structured approach to managing electronically stored information (ESI) from its initial identification through to its presentation in legal proceedings. The model consists of nine distinct stages:

1. Information Governance
2. Identification
3. Preservation
4. Collection
5. Processing
6. Review
7. Analysis
8. Production
9. Presentation

Each stage plays a vital role in ensuring a thorough, efficient, and defensible eDiscovery process. However, navigating these stages can be challenging without the right expertise and tools.

S2|DATA’s EDRM Specialties

At S2|DATA, we’ve developed cutting-edge solutions that address multiple stages of the EDRM, with a particular focus on the early stages where our unique capabilities truly shine. Let’s explore how our services align with and enhance the EDRM process:

1. Information Governance

While many organizations struggle with establishing effective information governance policies, S2|DATA provides the tools and expertise to help you take control. Our Intelligent Tape Archive solution goes beyond traditional offsite data vaults, adding a layer of intelligence to your legacy data. This empowers you to make informed decisions about data retention, deletion, and management, setting the stage for more efficient eDiscovery processes down the line.

2. Identification

Identifying relevant ESI can be like finding a needle in a digital haystack. That’s where our proprietary Invenire platform comes into play. As the world’s most advanced metadata review tool, Invenire provides instant insight into key file information, allowing you to quickly identify potentially relevant data across your entire data landscape, including backup tapes and legacy systems.

3. Preservation

Once relevant data is identified, it must be preserved to maintain its integrity. S2|DATA’s expertise in data restoration and forensic data recovery ensures that your critical information is preserved accurately and defensibly. Our ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certified processes guarantee the highest levels of data security throughout the preservation process.

4. Collection

S2|DATA truly shines in the collection phase. Our advanced data restoration services can access and collect data from virtually any storage medium, including backup tapes, legacy systems, and even voice logging tapes. Our proprietary TRACS (Tape Restoration and Cataloging System) technology allows us to restore data from a wide array of backup formats without needing the original backup software.

5. Processing

Once data is collected, it needs to be processed into a format suitable for review. S2|DATA’s processing capabilities are robust and flexible. We can handle large volumes of data efficiently, thanks to our scalable infrastructure and proprietary technologies. Our processing services include deduplication, filtering, and advanced searching capabilities, all designed to streamline the next stages of the EDRM.

Beyond the Early Stages

While S2|DATA specializes in the early stages of the EDRM, our comprehensive suite of eDiscovery services extends through the entire model. Let’s explore how we support the remaining stages:

6. Review

S2|DATA understands that the review stage can be one of the most time-consuming and costly parts of the eDiscovery process. That’s why we offer advanced review platforms that leverage cutting-edge technologies to streamline this critical phase.

7. Analysis

Our analysis tools go beyond simple keyword searches. S2|DATA’s analytical capabilities include data visualization tools (e.g. MEAD) to help identify patterns and relationships, along with email threading and sentiment analysis. These powerful analytical tools help legal teams uncover key insights and build stronger cases more efficiently.

8. Production

When it’s time to produce relevant documents, S2|DATA ensures a smooth, defensible process. Our production services include: flexible output formats, xustomizable redaction tools to protect sensitive information, and detailed production logs for complete transparency.

9. Presentation

The final stage of the EDRM is where all the previous work comes together. S2|DATA supports the presentation stage by providing easy-to-use tools for creating trial exhibits, offering secure, cloud-based repositories for case documents, and supplying expert witnesses who can testify about data collection and processing methods.

Empowering Your EDRM Journey

By partnering with S2|DATA, you’re not just getting a service provider – you’re gaining a strategic ally in your eDiscovery efforts. Our solutions are designed to give you command over your data at every stage of the EDRM, from initial information governance through to final presentation in court.

Our comprehensive approach ensures that you have the tools and expertise needed to navigate the entire eDiscovery process effectively and efficiently. Whether you’re dealing with complex legacy data systems or cutting-edge digital communications, S2|DATA has the knowledge and technology to support your eDiscovery needs from start to finish.

Ready to take command of your eDiscovery process? Contact S2|DATA today to learn how we can enhance your EDRM journey and transform your approach to legacy data management.