eDiscovery: Can I Choose Where My Data Gets Stored?

17 December 2019 by Ross eDiscovery Production Bates-stamping Redaction

Takeaway: The best place to store your eDiscovery files is in the Cloud. But what if you’re uncomfortable with this data being on a shared server and possibly on a different continent? The trick is to find an eDiscovery application that lets you choose which servers store your data.

“Where should I store all my eDiscovery data?”

eDiscovery means large amounts of (mostly electronic) data. I.e., hundreds (and maybe thousands) of Word documents, emails, and PDFs to sort through. And even when there are paper documents, most law firms end up scanning them. So, where should you store all this data?

Option 1: Store the data on your own servers

This is called ‘on-premises’ hosting. And at first glance, it seems like the easiest and safest option, because you know exactly where your data is. The problem is it’s expensive and needs a lot of technical know-how. You have to install specialized hardware and software (which can be a long and complicated process), and you have to handle the upkeep. You also need to use advanced digital security to protect your data from viruses, malware, and theft. This isn’t ideal for most small-to-midsize law firms.

Option 2: Store the data on your eDiscovery vendor’s servers

Here, you’ll use your vendor’s array of private servers, and they’ll maintain the servers for you. It’s a step up from an on-premises solution, but it still costs a lot because private ‘server farms’ are expensive to run. They eat a lot of electricity, are routinely hacked, need infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters, and require trained IT personnel to manage them 24/7.

Option 3: Store your data in the ‘Cloud’

Cloud-hosting has been around for a long time. In fact, if you use Dropbox, Google Drive, or any Apple product, then you’re already in the Cloud. Software giants like Amazon and Google lease storage and computing power to businesses all over the world. And their thousands of interconnected servers form a public ‘Cloud.’ So, why is the Cloud so popular?

Cloud storage is cost-effective, secure, and convenient

It cuts costs: Cloud-users share the same servers, so they split the bill. And the more people there are in the Cloud, the less the costs for each. This makes things much cheaper than if you store data on private servers.
It’s secure: High-performance Cloud servers are very secure. Your data is encrypted both when it’s being transmitted and when it’s stored on their servers. Plus, since the data is on multiple servers in different locations, no one event can destroy it.
You get excellent technical support: Cloud servers are looked after by skilled engineers. So, you don’t have to worry about hiring an IT team to handle technical issues. And you’re guaranteed great service because the best minds don’t go to small companies offering you private servers – they go to Cloud giants like Amazon and Google.
You can access your data from anywhere: All you need to access your case data is a laptop and an internet connection. And since you don’t have to be close to a particular storage server, law firms across the world can collaborate.

“Can I choose which Cloud servers I use?”

Cloud servers are safe, but some law firms are uncomfortable about their data being stored on shared servers. Or even that their data might possibly be on servers in a different continent. So, can you choose which Cloud servers your data is stored on?

Yes. The best eDiscovery applications let you choose your Cloud servers.

For example, eDiscovery software GoldFynch offers an add-on service with 2 options.

Store your software on a ‘leased’ server dedicated solely to you. The server is still on a Cloud farm hosted by a third party, but it’s exclusively yours. Data is encrypted and transmitted from your office to the server for processing and storage. And you get all the advantages of Cloud computing: You don’t have to worry about server maintenance, upgrades, and backups. And you will also have access to your server from anywhere.
Store data on a server cloud from your continent. Your data will be stored on Cloud servers on your continent. And those servers will be subject to the laws of your region. Again, you’ll get all the advantages of Cloud computing – for example, you’ll automatically get the latest software updates and prompt tech support.

Want to choose which servers store your data? Try GoldFynch.

It’s a fresh, adaptable eDiscovery application with all the features that a discerning small-to-medium size law firm needs.

It costs just $27 a month for a 3 GB case: That’s significantly less–every month–than the nearest comparable software. And hundreds of dollars less than many others. With GoldFynch, you know what you’re paying for exactly – its pricing is simple and readily available on the website.
It’s easy to budget for. GoldFynch has a flat, prorated rate. With legacy software, your bill changes depending on how much data you use.
It takes just minutes to get going. It runs in the Cloud, so you use it through your web browser (Google Chrome recommended). No installation. No sales calls or emails. Plus, you get a free, fully-functional trial case (0.5 GB of data and processing cap of 1 GB), without adding a credit card.
It can handle even the largest cases. GoldFynch scales from small to large, since it’s in the Cloud. So, choose from a range of case sizes (3 GB to 100 GB, and more) and don’t waste money on space you don’t need.
You can access it from anywhere. And 24/7. All your files are backed up and secure in the Cloud. And you can monitor its servers here.
You won’t have to worry about technical stuff. It’s designed, developed, and run by the same team. So, its technical support isn’t outsourced. Which means you get prompt and reliable service.

Want to learn more about GoldFynch?

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