By: Mark Marino

As the Electronic Data Extraction Network (EDEN) continues to grow in its first year, members and prospective members often ask how they can incorporate e-discovery into their businesses – a great question considering how relatively new e-discovery laws and trends are and how much electronically stored information (ESI) is generated on a daily basis.  Just looking at how inexpensive hard drives have become and how much data they can store these days, it is clear that ESI is taking over the workplace and paper is becoming a tool of the past.

An integral aspect of EDEN is education.  By learning more about the e-discovery process, members can see how costs are controlled and data is acquired and processed for legal matters and computer investigations.  EDEN members are encouraged to log into the Resources section of EDEN to access informative documents that can help those new to e-discovery.

For our IT members, educating your clients about your affiliation with EDEN and its access to a network of both legal and IT experts can help build your client’s awareness that you are a resource to turn to for help with e-discovery and investigations involving IT resources.

Reaching out to your clients about EDEN and e-discovery can also be an opportunity to help them assess their e-discovery preparedness.  Does your client have an electronic data back-up and retention plan in place?  Have they implemented data and IT use policies?  If the answer to these and other questions is a shrug or a no, you may have an opportunity to show how taking steps to address such issues now can not only make the e-discovery process easier, but a lot less expensive.

As with any group or network, member involvement expands and benefits the entire community.  EDEN representatives are happy to discuss any questions you may have or fill you in on the successes representative EDEN members have had with the community and their clients.