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Over 80% of e-Discovery Users Plan to Migrate to the Cloud

Expect 2012 to be the year cloud e-discovery takes off – and not just because the cloud is becoming an ever-increasing force in business operations – legal departments are leveraging the cloud to bring discovery functions in house for better control of their data and costs.

According to a recent poll of lawyers at mid-to-large sized law firms and Fortune 1000 companies, 86 percent have decided to take back in house some portion of the e-discovery process. The move to bring these functions back in house is being spurred on by the cost of discovery services vendors and concern for the security of business data. Information management, preservation & collection and data review rank high among the tasks these firms and companies have decided to in-source.

Many law firms and legal departments are able to bring some of their e-discovery in house by leveraging a cloud-based or SaaS solution. In the same survey, 81 percent of the respondents report that they’ll use the cloud for e-discovery or data storage in the next year.

Cloud-based e-discovery providers enable legal departments to remain in control of their data and their e-discovery budget with predictable, on demand pricing models.

 

Cloud Data Management with EDiscovery

One of the benefits of maintaining electronic records are the faster, easier and cheaper tools available for e-discovery. Cloud e-Discovery providers offer defensible online e-discovery solutions that identify, collect and preserve your data then deliver you clear catalogues and indexes of all of the relevant documents.

 

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that as companies become more reliant on non-physical data, demands to access that data in the course of legal or regulatory proceeding are also increasing. Courts and regulatory overseers have exacting standards for how digital data should be archived. Failing to meet those standards for data storage, management and discovery could result in sanctions or heavy financial fines.

 

To avoid these penalties, many organizations are considering emerging technologies including cloud-based solutions. The obvious initial lure of the cloud is cheap, scalable off-site data storage that doesn’t tax your infrastructure or IT staff. When choosing a cloud-service provider, keep in mind that, to satisfy legal and regulatory inquiries you will need to always maintain the ability to access any given piece of stored data in real time.

 

Because courts do not accept disorganized record keeping as an excuse for not being able to produce the requested piece of information in the allotted time, all data stored in the cloud must be well organized.

 

To make locating crucial documents easier, your cloud service provider should be able to automate a data retention policy to regain all information you need for day to day business operations along with anything you could potential need for legal or regulatory reasons.

 

In addition to a tight data retention policy, identifying and deleting duplicate information can decrease the number of documents you have to store and ultimately the volume of data that could be subject to an e-discovery process. Cloud e-Discovery providers may offer automated legal hold solutions that will to prevent accidental data destruction.

Cloud e-Discovery

 Electronic Discovery is migrating to the cloud.

E-Discovery – the process by which evidence is identified and extracted from a company’s electronic data during civil litigation – is a growing market. Some predict that the size of the industry will grow from around $3 billion per year in 201o to an estimated $6 billion by 2013.

Industry experts predict that of the 20 or so companies that currently dominate the Electronic Discovery space, the biggest winners in the expansion will be the ones with proprietary platforms they can hone and perfect rather than those who are piecing together an discovery packages through a variety of methods.

Cloud e-Discovery is based on a three level system: IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service) and SaaS (Software as a Service).

Cloud platforms have the advantages of being accessible on demand at any time or location. They can also be run on any operating system.

Because of the flexibility of the platform, clients can scale the amount of service they need over time without any additional cost. Clients pay for usage only and contract terms can be as short as a month.

There is no need to install software or pay for upgrades as the system improves. Furthermore, some estimates find that using a cloud-based e-Discovery vendor could reduce your IT infrastructure costs by 54 percent by reducing your IT staff hours and the cost of software and hardware upgrades.

Why you should be automating legal hold

Why you should be automating legal hold

If you’re still using a manual process like excel spreadsheets, outlook folders, or even pen and ink to keep track of a legal hold you could be wasting a lot of time and effort.

Legal hold automation programs can make a legal hold less of a drain on your business efficiency, productivity and bottom line.

A good automated litigation hold management solution should provide you with a simple, easy to use management interface and the peace of mind to know that your data will be defensible.

Here are some more advantages to automating legal hold:

• Automation can help keep everyone in your organization on the same page, avoiding confusions over preservation obligation that could lead to sanction, adverse judgment and increased legal cost.

• Streamline your processes and avoid loss of productivity by keeping all of your data on a central dashboard instead of scattered in spreadsheets and paper files.

• Ensure that your data remains defensible – legal hold software can be set up to send auto-reminders and reports

Automated legal hold management is simple and fast to get up and running – it can be configured in a matter of a few minutes. There are even cloud-based legal hold solutions that don’t require you to purchase any software or hardware and won’t commit you to long-term contracts.

 

Sponsored by TotalDiscovery.com, Cloud E-Discovery vendors

More ERP Users Considering Third-Party Support

A growing number of ERP users are considering seeking support services from third party companies for their Enterprise Resource Planning systems, a survey from Constellation Research found.  57 percent said they would consider paying for support from third-party companies.  This is up from 42 percent just last year.

Most of those who would consider third-party support (90%) are concerned about cost, particularly the high cost of support that their ERP vendors charge to maintain their ERP systems.  80 percent of them expressed dissatisfaction with the level of their current support.

Many companies have been running ERP systems from Oracle, SAP, and others for nearly a decade, and these companies rely on support for revenue.  For many of these customers, they can get better support from third parties that specialize in helping them manage their aging systems. 

Companies in situations like these are long overdue for change.  Rather than shelling out expensive fees for maintaining antiquated ERP software, you should consider a Partner-hosted solution from Microsoft, one where you minimize upfront cost while also getting the latest updates and innovations.  You can add licenses as your company expands and keep everything running smoothly without having to worry about maintenance, upgrades, or third-party support.

With Microsoft Dynamics ERP Hosting, you can make changes on demand, adding or removing users and receiving product upgrades.  You will reduce your initial cost, only paying a low monthly fee, and you will reduce IT maintenance costs by eliminating the need for workarounds, third-party patches, and other less-than-ideal fixes for your aging ERP system.   

Want to know more about the costs of ERP Software in the Cloud? Download a new white paper 35 Questions Every CFO Needs to Ask about Cloud ERP Software. This white paper includes a sample cost comparison chart providing a simplified 5-year model to help CFOs evaluate ERP deployment models including: on-premises, on demand and hosted. Download the full white paper today at: www.erpsoftwareblog.com/cloud-erp.

Request a free Microsoft Dynamics ERP software quote – including user licenses, annual maintenance, estimated implementation and deployment options and costs.

 

By ERP Software Blog Editors, Find a Microsoft Dynamics ERP Cloud Partner

TotalDiscovery.com enables e-discovery management from your iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, Android or other mobile devices

NEW YORK CITY – July 20, 2011 - TotalDiscovery.com, owned by Business Intelligence Associates, Inc. (BIA), a leader in e-discovery for litigation and compliance and services, recently announced mobile support for e-discovery project monitoring, which will be great news to those who would sooner go outside without pants than their mobile phones. The new functionality grants a host of functionality for iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and Blackberries including status monitoring, establishing data collections, and access reporting.

“This continues the revolutionary path blazed by www.TotalDiscovery.com to make e-discovery simpler, more accessible and more affordable. Now you can view and report on the status of your e-discovery process in real time,” Business Intelligence Associates President Brian Schrader said.

To make things even better, there’s no app to install. Users just need to go to TotalDiscovery.com, set up an account, and enjoy the convenience of maintaining their projects on the go. Mobile phones are starting to transform the landscape of the American workplace, and it’s great to see more and more companies stepping into the future.

About BIA, makers of TotalDiscovery.com
For nearly a decade, BIA has been developing and implementing defensible, technology driven solutions that reduce the costs and risks related to litigation, regulatory compliance and internal audits. BIA offers software complemented by mature professional services in the areas of Litigation, Digital Investigations and Electronic Policy Consulting. BIA’s products include the DiscoveryBOT™ ESI Collection Engine, Solis Enterprise Legal Hold Software, TotalDiscovery.com and Data Profiler. BIA provides software and services to Fortune 1000, Global 2000 companies and Am Law 200 law firms.

Headquartered in New York City, BIA also has offices in San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC and in Southwest Michigan. BIA maintains digital evidence response units throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. BIA’s unique and positive workplace culture promotes diversity and celebrates the professional skills of each individual. For more information, visit www.biaprotect.com or follow us on Twitter @BIA_eDiscovery and @TotalDiscovery.

 

New ERP Comparison Report Pits SAP Against Oracle

A new report seeks to compare ERP software from two vendor giants, attempting to reveal the relative strengths and weaknesses of Oracle and SAP. Titled “Clash of the Titans: SAP vs. Oracle,” the analysis provides a run-down of the functionality, products, and technologies offered by each vendor, and enumerates which is the best ERP software for customers. In case you’re already thinking the report might issue partial judgments, the study was conducted and published by the Panorama Consulting Group, an independent ERP consulting firm. Panorama Consulting Group claims they are in no way affiliated with the two companies in the report, or any other software vendor, for that matter.

“SAP and Oracle are the industry’s leading ERP vendors for good reasons,” Panorama PR Representative Eric Kimberling said. “However, as with any comparison of ERP Software solutions, each has its strengths, weaknesses, and trade-offs depending on a company’s unique business requirements. Potential ERP solutions should be objectively compared against these individual organizational needs as part of an effective ERP software selection process.”

Though the full report is too detailed to explain fully, here’s a quick rundown of the process and products of the analysis. The comparison data on SAP and Oracle was obtained by appraising each vendor’s market share, user satisfaction, payback period, project cost, implementation duration, and benefits realization. While not comprehensive, this covers most of the concerns of a prospective customer. Under those metrics, the following products were thrown into the fray: Oracle’s e-Business Suite, JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, and PeopleSoft Enterprise, and SAP’s Business Suite, Business All-in-One, and Business One. The report also included the software as a service (SaaS) model comparisons of Oracle’s On-Demand and SAP’s ByDesign.

While discussing the companies’ current products is helpful, no one wants to build a company on a vendor with a shaky infrastructure or poor future prospects. In order to provide a completely accurate snapshot of the viability of both companies, the report also analyses Oracle’s and SAP’s technology infrastructure and future roadmap. The intangibles factored into the judgment don’t stop there, either. The report also provides an appraisal of each vendor’s functional strengths as well as pulling data from existing clients of each company, distilling that data into an average functional score for the company based on satisfaction ratings.

This is, of course, a lot of information to absorb. While it’s tempting to peruse the report results and declare a clear winner, the reality is that there won’t be a vendor that excels another in every area. When it comes to an ERP implementation, you must identify the unique needs of your own business. Do you need an extremely quick implementation or is it more vital to save money? After identifying your particular priorities, it is much easier to choose a vendor that matches those needs. Reports like this are ideal for helping in that situation, though hopefully broader reports will come along in the future. Reports that compare Microsoft Dynamics GP to SAP or to Oracle would provide even more information for the prospective ERP implementation. Download the complete report: “Clash of the Titans: An Independent Comparison of SAP vs. Oracle”  (registration required).

Looking for a way to learn more about Micosoft Dynamics ERP products and do your own comparison? Visit www.erpsoftwareblog.com

 

New Tech Blog for Non Profits

 The Two Black Labs marketing firm has just set up a new multi-user blog – the NFP Tech Blog (http://nfptechblog.com/) – to provide non-profits with advice about Microsoft Dynamics products and other not for profit accounting software.

Microsoft partners Brittenford Systems, Maner Costerisan, MIG & Co., T3 Information Systems and SSi Consulting have already begun blogging about their experience with non-profit clients.

As the blog evolves, the partners hope that it will become a resource for non-profits to find advice on how to decide which Dynamics product to invest in and how to implement their software. Microsoft Partners will share case histories – like this Microsoft Dynamics GP non profit case study – describing how the American Red Cross use the software to reduce their warehouse costs by 50%.

Microsoft Partners: You Will Love Dynamics CRM 2011 Online But Don't Buy It!

That headline may have you confused. As a writer for the CRM Software Blog we aren't generally bashful in singing the justly-deserved praises of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, yet here we are advising Microsoft Partners against purchasing that very software. Why is that?

Because Microsoft Partners can get Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online for free. That’s right. Free!

Microsoft recently revealed the details for an exciting program that makes the life of a Microsoft Partner even sweeter. All Microsoft Gold Certified partners can claim up to 250 seats of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online for free, while Silver Certified partners can claim up to 100 seats. On top of that, further seats can be purchased for the discount rate of $19 per user per month. This offer can't be combined with any other competencies, but who can complain after a freebie like that? Microsoft Cloud Essentials Pack or Microsoft Cloud Accelerate Partners are also in on the deal, getting the same offer as Gold Certified partners: 250 free seats with more following at $19 per user per month.

While I wouldn't blame you for being suspicious, there aren't any strings attached. The offer is valid as long as partners maintain an active membership in the Microsoft Partner Network, and users can even get unlimited support through the Professional Plan subscription. These plans include 5 gigabytes of storage, though users can purchase additional online storage at a rate of $10 per gigabyte per month. There are no termination fees involved in canceling either.

Microsoft's motives here are clear: the only way to convince Partners of the value and ease of use of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is to let them try it. And then those Partners can convince buyers.  Cloud software is the new thing, and the new thing is generally risky. Microsoft has eliminated a good chunk of that risk by completely removing the up-front cost. More partners using Dynamics CRM Online means more general knowledge and adoption in the market. If you're a Microsoft partner, jump on this offer as soon as you can. If you know a partner, prepare to hear about Dynamics CRM 2011 Online very soon.

Link for Microsoft Partners To Get Free Licenses of Dynamics CRM 2011 Online

Get more details at Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online – Internal Use Rights (IUR) Benefit FAQ.

By CRM Software Blog Editors, Directory of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partners

What is the Cost of Microsoft Dynamics CRM? Try The New Quick Quote Tool

The CRM Software Blog just launched a new quick quote tool that gives you the price of a Microsoft Dynamics CRM implementation

This Quick Quote is intended as an estimate for budgeting purposes only. To find a local Microsoft Certified Partner in your area that specializes in installation, integration, customization, training and support of Microsoft Dynamics CRM consult our directory of Microsoft Dynamics CRM partners. Based on more in-depth discovery of your specific needs, the partner you choose will be able to provide you with a complete and accurate final proposal.

Your quick quote includes the cost of Microsoft Dynamics CRM software licenses (including annual maintenance fees) and estimated installation, training and implementation services provided by a local Microsoft Certified Partner.

With a familiar Microsoft Office user interface, your staff will be able to take advantage of the innovations built into Microsoft Dynamics CRM with a minimal amount of training time.With Microsoft Dynamics CRM, you can  increase the effectiveness of your staff, subs and vendors throughout your business.