Establish a comprehensive e-discovery strategy

In December 2006, amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) indicated that e-discovery is no longer an optional process for organizations undergoing a lawsuit, audit or government investigation. All private organizations and government agencies must be able to find, capture, and produce electronically stored information (ESI) and content that may be relevant to a judicial or regulatory request.


	Related solutions
	Enterprise search Records management
	Related links
	Webcast: How to Resolve eDiscovery Challenges with Information Management Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, 11:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. PT White paper: Planning for E-Discovery Portable Document Format, 630 KB Datasheet: Connected E-Discovery Framework Portable Document Format, 385 KB State Agency Takes Action with Online Records Management and E-Discovery Technology and “Try vs. Settle” Decisions Portable Document Format, 1.65 MB
	Webcast
	eDiscovery and Microsoft SharePoint
	Products and technologies
	FAST Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Windows 7 Windows Vista The 2007 Microsoft Office system Windows Server 2008 R2

In an effort to help customers meet their needs around e-discovery, Microsoft has released the Connected E-Discovery Framework. The Connected E-Discovery Framework consists of a technology architecture, best practices recommendations around proactive information management, and a collection of partner-owned vertical litigation support solutions to help customers overcome technology and process challenges they encounter when performing e-discovery.

The Connected E-Discovery Framework is based on the principles found in the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (ERDM). EDRM includes a process model and a set of published guidelines from industry experts that outline how e-discovery is typically conducted. Some of the primary benefits of the Connected E-Discovery Framework include:

Improve e-discovery execution through enterprise wide proactive information management. By maximizing the retention and disposition capabilities across SharePoint Server 2007, Exchange Server 2007, and Office Communication Server 2007 R2, organizations can establish a strong information management plan that maximizes their search capabilities via FAST, which in turn minimizes over-collection during discovery and decreases costs related to collection, preservation, process, review and analysis of ESI. Microsoft client tools such as Office Professional 2007 give users the ability to proactively categorize and metadata tag ESI at creation or edit time, relieving records managers from this burden after records are filed. This creation of content coupled with proactive management of the content reduces the costs associated with ESI collection efforts and increases an organization’s ability to discover and collect what is truly relevant ESI.

Support the entire e-discovery reference model using extensibility and integration features of the Microsoft platform. Microsoft is teaming with industry leading litigation support organizations to provide comprehensive coverage of the detailed needs organizations have when trying to overcome their e-discovery challenges. Whether using SharePoint as a web-based user interface and business process flow engine, using Exchange to search and identify mailboxes and server-based PSTs that have relevant ESI, or Windows Server 2008 R2 file shares where ESI is commonly stored, partner based products are available that cater directly to the individual steps found in the EDRM.

The Connected E-Discovery Framework is the foundation upon which organizations can begin to better create, collect and manage electronically stored information. The Connected E-Discovery Framework can be your foundation for better information management, better litigation preparation, and overall better organizational resource utilization.


	Partners
	Showcase your solution

The following partners can help you implement an e-discovery solution:

Applied Information Sciences (AIS) has delivered custom, enterprise applications for commercial and government clients for more than 26 years. A Microsoft Managed Gold partner for 14 years, AIS specializes in an analysis-driven approach to delivering solutions which leverage Microsoft innovations. Most recently, AIS is among the leading firms leveraging SharePoint technologies as a platform for enterprise content management and e-discovery. AIS has built SharePoint-based solutions for a wide variety of commercial and government clients.

Mimosa Systems NearPoint eDiscovery application for Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft’s SharePoint Server lowers the total cost of legal discovery and can reduce the overall risk associated with litigation. The easy-to-use search tools and collaboration features of NearPoint eDiscovery enhance the speed and efficiency for legal and audit staff to ensure the highest levels of electronically stored information (ESI) fidelity, providing organizations with the most accurate picture in any discovery situation.

Navigant Consulting, Inc., a premier Microsoft partner, offers proven and cost-effective end-to-end records management solutions to better manage e-discovery in complex, high-risk environments. Navigant’s Discovery Practice, with one of the largest complements of discovery, forensic, and litigation support personnel in the United States, utilizes its advanced e-discovery portal built on Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 to provide greater access and control over the activities which occur during e-discovery, including compliance, archiving, search, collection, and pre-review.

NextPage, a leading innovator in compliance and information risk management solutions, mitigates enterprise risk, increases document policy compliance, and reduces the cost of e-discovery by tracking and managing documents—no matter where they are located. NextPage manages the risk by classifying, executing policy, and reporting on the compliance of all documents across the enterprise. The NextPage suite of applications is being deployed across large enterprises to manage information risk. Contact NextPage at (801) 748-4400.

SchemaLogic is the leading provider of metadata management software for enterprise content. Our MetaPoint software integrates with Microsoft Office applications, such as Office Word, to tag and classify documents automatically when they are created. MetaPoint also suggests to the user where documents should be stored on Microsoft Office SharePoint Server. MetaPoint helps employees find and share information more effectively while helping to improve corporate information governance, regulatory compliance, and e-discovery processes. Contact SchemaLogic at info@schemalogic.com

Vedder Price P.C. is a full-service law firm comprised of approximately 260 attorneys with offices in Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C. Vedder Price assists public and private sector clients to develop and implement a legally-defensible records management program and e-discovery strategy, enhancing organizational information management and reducing litigation risks and expenses. Contact Vedder Price at 1-312-609-7689.

WorkProducts bridges the gap between information management and electronic data discovery through Evidence Lifecycle Management (ELM) and MatterSpace ELM, which are recognized by industry leaders, utilized by clients, and continually validated through applicable case law. MatterSpace ELM, built on Microsoft technologies, integrates e-discovery processes: retention/preservation management, early case assessment, case strategy, and ESI production, to allow legal counsel to manage and synchronize information behind the firewall and in the cloud. Contact WorkProducts at (888) ELM-4ESI.

Find a partner

Search for additional partners in the Microsoft Public Sector Partner Solution MarketPlace, an easy resource for finding technology partners that offer a broad range of products, services, and solutions based on Microsoft technologies. The marketplace includes packaged software, solutions offerings, and training from Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, Microsoft Certified Partners, and registered members.

Microsoft makes no representations or warranties, either expressed, implied, or statutory, regarding any company presented herein or its products or services. The inclusion of a company does not imply endorsement by Microsoft of the company or its products or services. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.