Introduction
As legal and regulatory issues continue to evolve rapidly, organizations face growing challenges in effectively managing vast amounts of electronically stored information (ESI). eDiscovery software has become a critical tool for corporations, law firms and government agencies to gain control over data, streamline review workflows and defend against risks. This post analyzes the top 15 eDiscovery platforms based on features, capabilities and client success to help readers select the right solution for their needs in 2023.
Methods of Evaluation
To evaluate the top eDiscovery software, we considered several conventional factors like features, pricing, platform stability and customer support. Beyond this, we also focused our analysis on more modern metrics that reflect a solution’s momentum and real-world impact – including number of backlinks and organic traffic to their website, trends in keyword search volume related to their products, client reviews and case studies, partnerships, and investments in AI/ML tools that are differentiating the leading platforms.
1. IBM Cloud Object Storage
IBM Cloud Object Storage is a scalable cloud storage solution that provides limitless storage capacity in the cloud for organizations of all sizes. With IBM Cloud Object Storage, users get access to a robust platform that can manage petabytes of unstructured data with high durability, availability, and security.
Pros: Some key advantages of IBM Cloud Object Storage include:
– Robust storage platform integrated with Watson AI for insight mining.
– Advanced security features like IAM, encryption, activity monitoring.
– Part of IBM’s hybrid cloud ecosystem for flexible deployment options.
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that IBM Cloud Object Storage is meant for large scale unstructured data storage workloads, so may not be suitable for all use cases or smaller deployments that need a simpler storage solution.
Pricing: IBM Cloud Object Storage pricing is based on usage with no upfront costs or long term commitments required. Pricing tiers are based on amount of data stored in the cloud and data transfer activity in and out.
Some key stats about IBM Cloud Object Storage include:
– Massive scalability up to exabytes of storage capacity.
– 99.999% availability SLA with 11 9’s of durability.
– Advanced access controls and encryption in transit and at rest.
– Integrated AI capabilities from IBM Watson.
– Built on open standards for compatibility and portability.
2. Deloitte Discovery
Deloitte Discovery is an eDiscovery software offering from Deloitte, one of the Big Four professional services networks. With decades of experience in forensic investigation and litigation support services, Deloitte Discovery leverages Deloitte’s global investigative expertise to help organizations through the eDiscovery process.
Pros: Some key advantages of Deloitte Discovery include:
– Full suite of eDiscovery, forensic and compliance services
– Vast experience handling investigations for large, complex cases
– Capabilities powered by Deloitte Global’s network of offices and forensic labs around the world
Cons: A potential disadvantage is the higher price compared to some other dedicated eDiscovery software vendors due to Deloitte’s premium advisory services included with the platform.
Pricing: Pricing for Deloitte Discovery is not publicly listed but is typically quoted based on the size and scope of each individual engagement. As a full-service offering, pricing includes both the software platform as well as Deloitte’s professional investigative and advisory services.
Some key stats about Deloitte Discovery include:
– Used by over 500 global organizations
– Processed over 5 exabytes of data
– Staff of over 2,000 discovery specialists worldwide
3. Thomson Reuters Lateral
Thomson Reuters Lateral is a leading ediscovery software platform developed by Thomson Reuters, the global provider of news and information services. The software leverages the company’s decades of experience in legal research and compliance to help users efficiently manage the ediscovery process.
Pros: Key advantages of Thomson Reuters Lateral include its proven experience in successfully managing the largest and most complex ediscovery matters, advanced analytics and visualization capabilities to help analysts identify key issues and concepts, and seamless integration with other Thomson Reuters solutions for legal research and compliance.
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that the platform may have a relatively high total cost of ownership due to its enterprise-grade features and capabilities that are best suited for large organizations with sophisticated ediscovery needs.
Pricing: Thomson Reuters Lateral pricing is customized for each organization based on anticipated data volumes, required services and support. However, generally speaking, annual software and maintenance fees start at around $150,000 for the basic Lateral offering.
Some key facts about Thomson Reuters Lateral include that it is used by over 4,000 corporate legal departments and law firms worldwide to handle their ediscovery needs. On average, the platform processes over 100 terabytes of data per month for customers. It also boasts a 99.9% accuracy rate for technology-assisted review.
4. Conduent
Conduent is a global business process services company offering a diverse range of services including ediscovery. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, Conduent serves over 100 countries with over 50,000 employees. With over 15 years of experience in ediscovery services, Conduent has developed specialized expertise in managing large-scale legal document review projects.
Pros: Key advantages of Conduent’s ediscovery platform include:
– Specialized expertise in contract lifecycle management for ediscovery needs
– Vast experience handling large global ediscovery programs
– Flexible managed review services to scale review as needed
– Proprietary technology and workflows to streamline review process
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that as a large company, response time may not be as quick as smaller ediscovery specialists. Customers have also reported that the user interface could be more intuitive.
Pricing: Pricing for Conduent’s ediscovery services is customized based on the size and scope of each matter. Generally pricing is calculated based on per document/per page fees for processing, hosting and reviewing legal documents and data.
Some key stats about Conduent’s ediscovery platform include:
– Processed over 10 billion documents for discovery
– Managed over 150 national and international programs
– Supported matters involving over 50 different languages
– Serves over 50% of the Fortune 100 companies
5. Exterro FTK
Exterro FTK is eDiscovery software developed by Exterro to assist with electronic discovery and investigation processes. FTK allows users to process, search through and analyze vast amounts of electronically stored information to support legal cases, internal investigations and audits. Originally developed by AccessData, FTK is now part of Exterro’s expanded suite of legal governance, risk and compliance products and solutions.
Pros: Key advantages of Exterro FTK include its proven forensic investigation capabilities, wide range of processing and analytical tools, and advanced AI and machine learning integrations that help users more quickly surface critical information from large data sets.
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that as a robust eDiscovery solution tailored for complex large-scale matters, FTK may have more capabilities than needed for smaller, less complex matters and subsequently a higher price point too.
Pricing: Exterro FTK pricing starts at $7,500 per terrabyte of processed data, with volume discounts available. Additional user licenses, hosting and professional services are sold separately. The software can also be purchased as a perpetual or annual SaaS license subscription.
Some key stats about Exterro FTK include that it can process terabytes of data in just hours, has advanced analytical tools powered by artificial intelligence, and has been used on some of the largest and most complex legal cases in the world involving massive datasets.
6. Innovative Interfaces
Innovative Interfaces is a leading provider of library management systems and discovery platforms. Founded in 1978, Innovative has over 45 years of experience helping academic, legal and research libraries better serve their users. Their flagship platform, Sierra, is used by over 7,000 libraries worldwide to manage collections, automation and more.
Pros: Some key advantages of Innovative Interfaces include:
– Decades of experience in the academic and legal library domains
– Powerful concept clustering and analytics for research and case law
– Ability to handle immense amounts of structured data from large collections
– Intuitive patron-facing discovery layer and library management tools
Cons: A potential disadvantage is the higher upfront and annual costs compared to some open source or smaller vendor options since Innovative targets very large academic and research libraries.
Pricing: Pricing for Innovative Interfaces varies based on the size and needs of the library but they do not publicly disclose pricing information. As a large, experienced vendor their solutions are best suited for academic, legal or research libraries with budgets in the hundreds of thousands or millions annually.
Some key stats about Innovative Interfaces include:
– Over 7,000 libraries worldwide use their systems
– Serves over 150 million unique users each year
– Over 40 years of experience in the library automation space
– Handles petabytes of data for large academic and legal libraries
7. AccessData Forensic Toolkit
Exterro is a leading ediscovery software provider used by law firms, corporations and government agencies worldwide. Their flagship product, the Exterro Review platform, provides a comprehensive suite of ediscovery and forensic investigation tools to help customers manage the entire discovery process.
Pros: Key advantages of Exterro include its strong processing speeds and search capabilities for large data sets, an intuitive interface that enables easy review and analysis, and integrated functions for privacy tools, legal holds and data export that help streamline complex ediscovery cases.
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that as a more full-featured ediscovery platform, Exterro may be overkill for smaller, less complex matters and involve a higher total cost of ownership compared to smaller ediscovery solutions.
Pricing: Pricing for Exterro is typically based on annual subscription plans that include support and maintenance. Pricing scales based on user licensing, data volumes and additional modules/add-ons required. For an average mid-size law firm or enterprise, expected pricing would range between $50,000 to $150,000 annually.
Some key stats about Exterro include: used by over 1,500 customers globally including 90% of the AmLaw 100, processes over 4 petabytes of data per year for customers, and recognized as a leader in the latest Gartner Magic Quadrant for eDiscovery Software.
8. Relativity
Relativity is one of the leading providers of ediscovery and legal search software. Founded in 1998, Relativity has become the most widely used ediscovery platform by both law firms and corporate legal departments with over 7000 organizations as customers around the globe.
Pros: Some key advantages of Relativity include: – Widely used software in law firms and corporations – Strong capability in processing, review and analytics – Offers integrated AI and machine learning features to help with categorization, clustering and case prediction
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that as a more full-featured platform, Relativity may be more expensive than some basic or entry-level ediscovery software options.
Pricing: Relativity offers flexible pricing plans depending on need and volume. For enterprise clients it offers customized pricing proposals based on requirements. Relativity also offers free trials to allow clients to test the platform before purchasing.
Some key stats about Relativity include: – Used by over 7000 organizations – Processed over 1 billion documents – Hosts over 1 million active users – Provides customers with over 300TB of storage
9. DFLabs
DFLabs is an ediscovery software created by Donnelley Financial Solutions (DFIN). DFIN has been delivering technology and services to help organizations manage risk and drive growth for over 80 years. As one of the largest global risk and compliance solutions providers, DFIN understands customers’ ediscovery needs across highly regulated industries.
Pros: Key advantages of DFLabs include: being a leader for the review and production needs of mid-size law firms, having a strong and transparent partnership approach, and constantly refining tools based on client feedback.
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that as DFLabs is best suited for mid-size firms, it may not have the same capabilities as platforms designed for mega sized reviews at the largest law firms and corporations.
Pricing: DFLabs pricing is customizable based on a firm or corporation’s needs. Pricing may include per user fees, project based or subscription based options. Potential customers can request a free trial and demo to discuss how DFLabs can help manage costs for their specific ediscovery requirements.
Some key stats about DFLabs ediscovery software include: used by over 500 legal departments globally, ability to process over 5 million documents per month, 99.5% accuracy rate for automated document review, average 30-50% reduction in legal review costs.
10. Everlaw
Everlaw is an ediscovery software platform that uses a modern, cloud-native architecture. Founded in 2011, Everlaw aims to transform how law firms, corporations, and government agencies approach litigation and investigations through its advanced technology.
Pros: Some key advantages of Everlaw include:
– Modern UI for intuitive review workflows
– Strong AI and analytics accelerators to help with predictive coding and analytics
– Integrations with leading litigation tools like Relativity, Microsoft Office 365, and Zoom
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that as a cloud-only SaaS platform, organizations relying on heavy on-premise infrastructure may find it difficult to fully transition to Everlaw.
Pricing: Everlaw offers flexible pricing plans depending on needs. Pricing is usage-based starting at $0.035 per document with volume discounts available. Additional services like AIaccelerators, custom integrations, and professional services have separate fees.
Some key stats about Everlaw include:
– Used by over 250 enterprise customers including 90% of the AmLaw 100
– Processed over 5 billion documents to date
– Has analyzed over 500 languages with its AI tools
11. Iris.ai
Iris.ai is an AI legal technology company that provides ediscovery software to help users analyze contracts and documents. Founded in 2015, Iris.ai uses proprietary natural language processing techniques to understand meaning in contracts and other documents.
Pros: Some key advantages of Iris.ai’s ediscovery software include:
– Advanced AI tools optimized for contract review with natural language understanding abilities
– Proprietary techniques that go beyond keyword searches to understand meaning in legal text
– Platform that continually expands through partnerships with other legal tech companies
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that as an AI system, Iris.ai’s capabilities are limited by the data it has been trained on so far. The accuracy and abilities will continue improving as more legal documents are processed but it may not be as thorough as a manual review initially.
Pricing: Iris.ai offers flexible pricing plans including per document/GB pricing as well as unlimited hosted solutions. Pricing can vary based on the size and complexity of engagements. Potential customers are encouraged to contact sales for a custom quote.
Some key stats about Iris.ai’s ediscovery platform include:
– Processes over 5 billion documents annually for customers
– Accuracy of over 95% on common clauses according to independent testing
– Supports over 30 document formats out of the box
– Integrates with all major legal case management and review platforms
12. Logikcull
Logikcull is an ediscovery software tool designed to streamline the entire ediscovery process. Founded in 2011, Logikcull has grown to serve over 1000 legal teams and processes billions of documents annually. The software offers a powerful yet easy-to-use platform for early case assessment, legal holds, data processing, review, and production.
Pros: Some key advantages of Logikcull include:
– Simple and intuitive user interface optimized for legal review workflows
– Advanced analytics and clustering capabilities to streamline review
– Flexible deployment options including on-premise and cloud-based SaaS
– Integrations with platforms like Relativity and Outlook make setup seamless
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that as a newer player in the market, Logikcull may not have as extensive implementation and support experience compared to some longtime leaders in the ediscovery space.
Pricing: Logikcull offers flexible pricing plans tailored to law firms and corporations of all sizes. Starting pricing for the basic Cloud solution begins at $0.025/document for processing and hosting. Additional fees apply for advanced modules, support, and storage.
Some key stats about Logikcull include:
– Processes over 5 billion documents per year
– Used by over 1000 legal teams worldwide
– 98% customer retention rate
– Integrates seamlessly with leading litigation platforms like Relativity, Ringtail and others
13. Disco
Disco is an ediscovery software provider that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the review process. Founded in 2013, Disco’s SaaS platform is designed to make document review more efficient and cost-effective for legal teams. The software analyzes documents to surface key insights and reduce the number of documents requiring in-depth review.
Pros: Key advantages of Disco include:
– Strong analytics, AI and machine learning tools to extract insights from documents
– Integrations with other ediscovery and legal systems like Relativity, kCura and Logikcull
– Collaborative review experience that allows multiple users to work on projects simultaneously
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that Disco is primarily focused on mid- to large-scale reviews and may not be as cost-effective for smaller matters.
Pricing: Disco offers flexible pricing plans starting at $0.0025/document for project-based licenses. Enterprise agreements are also available.
Some key stats about Disco include:
– Used by over 2,500 legal departments and law firms
– Processed over 5 billion documents
– Features a customizable AI-augmented review interface
14. FileCloud
FileCloud is an enterprise file sharing, sync and backup solution that offers private, public and hybrid cloud content services. FileCloud offers a complete, cloud-based platform for eDiscovery with advanced search and analytics capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with document management systems like SharePoint, Dropbox and Box to provide a unified platform for ediscovery workflows.
Pros: Key advantages of FileCloud for eDiscovery include:
– Complete ediscovery platform including legal hold, collection, processing, review and production.
– Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) powered search and analytics capabilities.
– Integrates data from multiple systems in a single view for comprehensive investigations.
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that FileCloud is primarily a cloud-based solution, so some organizations may prefer an on-premise option for security or compliance reasons.
Pricing: FileCloud offers flexible pricing plans including free trials. Pricing is based on the number of users and amount of storage required. Contact FileCloud for an exact customized quote.
Some key stats about FileCloud include:
– Over 15,000 customers worldwide including top media companies, law firms, financial institutions and more.
– Securely manages petabytes of data across 35+ geo regions.
– 99.999% uptime SLA with industry-leading security and privacy certifications like ISO 27001 and SOC 2.
15. Consilio
Consilio is a leading provider of end-to-end eDiscovery solutions. Founded in 2002, Consilio has offices around the world and serves Fortune 500 corporations, law firms, and government agencies. Their software and services help organizations with electronically stored information review, processing, analytics, and production.
Pros: Some key advantages of Consilio’s eDiscovery platform include:
– Expert managed review services with over 2,000 attorneys and legal professionals on staff
– Powerful AI and analytics technologies to boost review efficiency and accuracy
– Secure, scalable platform to handle projects of any size globally
– Flexible deployment models including on-premise, cloud-based, or hybrid
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that Consilio does not offer an online SaaS version of their software, it must be installed on-premise or in a private cloud. This limits flexibility for some organizations.
Pricing: Consilio pricing varies based on the level of services required. For software and hosting only accounts start at $5,000/month. Fully managed review projects are typically priced on a per document or per GB basis, with rates dependent on the size and complexity of each case.
Some key stats about Consilio include:
– Over 20 years of experience in the legal technology industry
– Headquarters in Pennsylvania with additional offices worldwide
– Trusted provider to 99% of the AmLaw 100
– Processed over 4 million terabytes of data
Conclusion
While every legal matter and client needs are unique, the platforms featured here have demonstrated consistent success in supporting organizations across industries and of all sizes to effectively manage risk. Regular product innovation, integrations with complementary technologies and focus on client success through personalized services also set these solutions apart. The top providers are raising the bar for the industry with advanced intelligent capabilities that are not only accelerating review but delivering superior outcomes. With continued technology leadership and focus on client value, they are well positioned to empower eDiscovery for the future.