eDiscovery SaaS Continues to Gain Marketshare

As the eDiscovery SaaS evangilist, I thought that it was time for another quick update on the current status of the proliferation of SaaS based applications in the eDiscovery market. 6-12 months ago, most players in the eDiscovery market didn't even now what SaaS (Softtware-as-a-Service) was or how it would benefit their organizations. And when you tried to explain that it was the next generation of onDemand software applications or the practical application of "cloud computing", many shouted that, "the legal market will never let such sensative data outside the firewall." And therefore the benefits such as; no software license fees, no annual software maintenanc fees, no hardwar to purchase, consumption based pricing, etc. never really got heard. At this point I in the debate I always like to point out that at a very embarrassing time in human history, many though that the world was flat. However, back to my post.

Regardless of whether the "world is flat" or not and whether it is a symptom of the world economic crisis or just the natural progression of a true paradigm shift, the eDiscovery SaaS market is growing.

Some Proof that the World Isn't Flat
Doing a scientifically calibrated quick Google search on "eDiscovery SaaS", I found that in late August 2009, Orange Legal Technologies, a leading provider of one source litigation, audit, and investigation support services for law firms and corporations seeking insight on electronically stored information, announced a technology partnership allowing BlackStone Discovery to integrate the OneO® Discovery Platform into its existing electronic discovery service portfolio. The strategic partnership with Orange Legal Technologies enables BlackStone Discovery clients to reduce electronic discovery times, and costs, by 50% while also reducing risk when compared to non Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) based electronic discovery offerings.

I know the executives at both Orange Legal Technologies and Blacktone Discovery and they are all very experienced and successful eDiscovery professionals. As such, I would consider them to be somewhat of a bellwether for where eDiscovery SaaS is going.

The full text of the press release is as follows:

(Salt Lake City, UT and Palo Alto, CA) Orange Legal Technologies, a leading provider of one source litigation, audit, and investigation support services for law firms and corporations seeking insight on electronically stored information, today announced a technology partnership allowing BlackStone Discovery to integrate the OneO® Discovery Platform into its existing electronic discovery service portfolio. The strategic partnership with Orange Legal Technologies enables BlackStone Discovery clients to reduce electronic discovery times, and costs, by 50% while also reducing risk when compared to non Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) based electronic discovery offerings.

“This new partnership between BlackStone Discovery and Orange Legal Technologies solidifies the OneO® platforms’ footprint in Silicon Valley,” stated Bret Laughlin, President and CEO of Orange Legal Technologies. “Based on the fact that BlackStone Discovery serves as the preferred electronic discovery consultant for many of the leading international law firms and corporations with a presence in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and San Jose, our new partnership is already off to a successful start as a large government organization in the Silicon Valley has chosen to work with BlackStone Discovery powered by OneO®.”

“There are many software applications available for early case assessment, processing and hosting.” shared John Kelly, President and CEO of BlackStone Discovery. “After extensive analysis and evaluations of available technologies, it became clear that OneO®’s integrated suite of technology was the right fit for our law firm & corporate clientele. We are committed to partnering with best in class companies, and this alliance combines the strength and efficiency of BlackStone Discovery’s own Rapid Response Methodology with OneO®’s superior cost-savings and speed.”

To Learn More

The OneO® Discovery Platform provides law firm and corporate legal professionals with an integrated, web-accessible, forensically sound electronic discovery platform that enables online analytics, processing, and review of data from the security of a hosted centralized repository. To learn more about how the OneO® Discovery Platform can quantifiably save users 1/2 the time, 1/2 the cost, while lowering the risks associated with traditional electronic discovery approaches, contact Orange Legal Technologies today via website (http://www.orangelt.com/technology), email (info@orangelt.com), or phone (1.415.989.7922) .

About Orange Legal Technologies

Orange Legal Technologies is a leading electronic discovery provider of one source litigation, audit, and investigation support services for law firms and corporations seeking insight on electronically stored information. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and with four locations nationwide, OrangeLT™ offers a complete suite of electronic discovery services to include collection, analysis, processing, review and production of both digital and paper-based information. Enabled by the OneO® Discovery Platform—an integrated, web-accessible electronic discovery platform that provides online analysis, processing, and review of unstructured data from the security of a hosted centralized repository—and augmented by best of breed electronic discovery partners, Orange Legal Technologies has participated as a member of the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) and the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA). For more information on Orange Legal Technologies, visit http://www.orangelt.com/.

About BlackStone Discovery

BlackStone Discovery is Silicon Valley’s preferred electronic discovery and document management company with a wide range of data-centric services delivered under the Rapid Response Methodology™. Based in Palo Alto, California, BlackStone Discovery’s portfolio of litigation support services includes collection, native analysis, processing, review, and production services supported by a dedicated team of litigation technology consultants and project managers. For more information on BlackStone Discovery, visit: http://www.blackstonediscovery.com/.

Next week I will be posting an update on all of the eDiscovery SaaS Vendors so let me know if you have something that you would like to contribute.

Labels: 2009 eDiscovery Predictions and Trends, Saas, Software-as-a-Service

posted by Charles Skamser @ 8:59 AM