Cloudy Considerations? ESMA Draft Guidelines on Outsourcing to Cloud Service Providers

Jun 19, 2020

Editor’s Note: The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is an independent EU Authority that contributes to safeguarding the stability of the European Union’s financial system by enhancing the protection of investors and promoting stable and orderly financial markets. As part of its role in assessing risks to investors and markets, ESMA recently published consultative guidelines for cloud outsourcing. This update presents ESMA considerations for financial market participants on outsourcing cloud service providers. While focused on financial markets, the information may be beneficial for legal, business, and information technology professionals as they consider the cloud.

Consultation Paper: Draft Guidelines on Outsourcing to Cloud Service Providers

Executive Summary

Firms are increasingly outsourcing to cloud service providers. Although cloud outsourcing can offer a number of benefits, including reduced costs and enhanced operational efficiency and flexibility, it raises challenges in terms of data protection and information security. Concentration risk can also arise, as a result of many firms using the same large cloud service providers, with potential negative outcomes for financial stability.

ESMA identified the need to develop guidance on outsourcing to cloud service providers following the European Commission’s FinTech Action Plan and feedback received from firms and stakeholders. Considering that the main risks associated with cloud outsourcing are similar across sectors, ESMA has considered the recent guidelines published by EBA and EIOPA, namely the EBA Guidelines on outsourcing arrangements, which have incorporated the EBA Recommendations on outsourcing to cloud service providers, and the EIOPA Guidelines on outsourcing to cloud service providers.

In accordance with Article 16(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1095/20105 (the ‘ESMA Regulation’), as recently amended, this paper sets out for consultation draft ESMA guidelines on outsourcing to cloud service providers.

The purpose of these draft guidelines is to provide guidance on the outsourcing requirements applicable to firms where they outsource to cloud service providers. These draft guidelines are intended to help firms identify, address and monitor the risks that may arise from their cloud outsourcing arrangements (from making the decision to outsource, selecting a cloud service provider, monitoring outsourced activities to providing for exit strategies).

ESMA Draft Guidelines on Outsourcing to Cloud Service Providers (3 June 2020)

The complete ESMA Consultation Paper (PDF)

ESMA Cloud Outsourcing Guidelines – June 2020

Read the original announcement at ESMA Consults on Cloud Outsourcing

Additional Reading

Source: ComplexDiscovery

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Editor's Note: Within this report lies a nuanced forecast of the eDiscovery market, suggesting its course from 2023 to 2028. While the detailed analysis meticulously outlines the growth in aggregate and across distinct segments, an underlying theme resonates throughout the advent of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and its anticipated influence on the sector.

Although not explicitly detailed in each section, the implications of GenAI's transformative power are woven into the fabric of the report's projections. It is an invisible yet potent force expected to usher in a new era of efficiency and innovation within eDiscovery. The potential for GenAI to redefine the contours of the market is significant, with its capacity to automate complex tasks and unlock new levels of analytical depth. Readers should infer GenAI's impact as a constant undercurrent that promises to propel the market forward, reshaping strategies and operational efficiencies.

Source Note: Taken from a combination of public market sizing estimations* as shared in leading electronic discovery publications, posts, data points, and discussions, and developed by ComplexDiscovery OÜ market models beginning in 2012, the following eDiscovery Market Size Mashup** shares general market sizing estimates for the software and services area of the electronic discovery market for the years between 2023 and 2028.

Industry Research

The Next Five Years in eDiscovery: Market Size Forecast for 2023-2028

ComplexDiscovery Staff In an era where digital data proliferates at an unprecedented rate, the eDiscovery market has become a critical component in the legal, corporate, and government sectors. This comprehensive report delves into the eDiscovery market, providing a detailed analysis of its size and growth from 2023 to 2028. It examines the market in aggregate and segmented into software and services, providing insights into the Compound Annual Growth Rates (CAGR) and shifts in market shares. The narratives presented herein reflect the current state of the market and project the trends expected to shape the future of eDiscovery. As organizations navigate through vast quantities of data for legal and regulatory purposes, understanding these trends is paramount for strategic decision-making and maintaining a competitive edge.

eDiscovery Market Size and Trends: Aggregate, Software, and Services (Figures 1, 2, and 3) Aggregate Market Growth The eDiscovery market is set to experience steady growth from 2023 through 2028. The aggregate market size is anticipated to grow from $15.09 billion to $22.65 billion, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.46%. This solid growth trajectory highlights the increasing significance of eDiscovery across various legal, corporate, and government activities, driven by the burgeoning volume of data and the escalating need for efficient data management and analysis. Software (SW) Segment Growth The software segment of the eDiscovery market is forecasted to grow at an even more impressive CAGR of 11.40%, reflecting the rapid technological advancements in the field. Starting at $5.28 billion in 2023, the market size for eDiscovery software is projected to reach $9.06 billion by 2028. This significant growth can be attributed to the rising demand for sophisticated eDiscovery platforms that offer enhanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning capabilities to streamline the review and analysis of large datasets. Services Segment Growth While the services segment grows at a slower rate than software, with a CAGR of 6.73%, it maintains a larger share of the overall market. The total market size for eDiscovery services is expected to increase from $9.81 billion in 2023 to $13.59 billion in 2028. The services segment includes consulting, managed services, and support, which remain in high demand as legal and regulatory complexities increase and organizations seek specialized expertise to navigate eDiscovery challenges. Percentage Share of Software and Services In terms of market composition, the share of eDiscovery software is projected to increase from 35% in 2023 to 40% in 2028, while services are expected to decrease from 65% to 60% of the market share. This shift underscores a market that is becoming more software-driven as end-users increasingly adopt technology solutions to automate and enhance various aspects of the eDiscovery process. The overall market expansion and the shift towards a greater reliance on software solutions reflect the evolving nature of eDiscovery. The market is responding to the need for greater efficiency and advanced analytical capabilities to handle the growing complexity and volume of data. These trends suggest a vibrant eDiscovery industry that is adapting to meet the changing demands of the digital age, with significant opportunities for both established players and new entrants in the software and services domains.

On and Off-Premise Software Market (Figure 4) The landscape of eDiscovery software solutions shows a clear trend towards off-premise or cloud-based offerings over traditional on-premise installations. This shift is reflected in the changing percentages of market share between the two types of software deployment. In 2023, on-premise software accounts for 32% of the market. However, this is expected to steadily decrease to 27% by 2028. In contrast, off-premise software is set to grow from holding 68% of the market in 2023 to a dominant 73% by 2028. This growth indicates a growing preference for cloud-based eDiscovery solutions, which may be attributed to their scalability, cost-effectiveness, and the increasing comfort level of organizations with cloud security. In terms of spending, the total market size for on-premise eDiscovery software is expected to rise from $1.69 billion in 2023 to $2.45 billion in 2028. Although this represents a growth in dollar value, it is modest compared to the surge in off-premise software spending, which is forecasted to jump from $3.59 billion in 2023 to $6.61 billion in 2028. The off-premise software's growth in spending by almost $3 billion over five years significantly outpaces that of on-premise solutions, further emphasizing the market's shift towards cloud-based services. The increase in off-premise software spending suggests that the eDiscovery industry is embracing the flexibility and accessibility that cloud solutions provide. This increase could be driven by the growing volumes of data managed in eDiscovery, the distributed nature of modern workforces requiring remote access, and the ongoing digital transformation trends across the legal sector. The trajectory for eDiscovery software is straightforward: off-premise, cloud-based solutions are on the rise, reshaping how legal professionals approach the discovery process. Service providers in this space will likely continue to innovate and invest in their off-premise offerings to meet their clients' rising demand and evolving expectations.

Cloud Software (Off-Premise) Market (Figure 5) The Cloud Software segment within the eDiscovery market, comprising software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), is showing interesting trends in its composition and growth. Software as a Service (SaaS) is the leading contributor to the cloud software segment's revenue. However, its percentage of total off-premise spending is expected to slightly decline from 68% in 2023 to 65% by 2028. Despite this slight decrease in market share percentage, the total spending on SaaS is projected to increase significantly from $2.44 billion to $4.30 billion in the forecast period. This robust increase underscores the continued adoption and reliance on SaaS offerings within the eDiscovery realm, likely due to the convenience, scalability, and cost-efficiency they offer to law firms and corporate legal departments. Platform as a Service (PaaS) shows a gradual increase in its market share percentage, from 14% in 2023 to an anticipated 17% by 2028. In line with this, the spending on PaaS is forecasted to double, growing from $0.50 billion in 2023 to $1.12 billion in 2028. This growth trajectory suggests an increasing preference for platforms that offer developers the tools and components to build and manage custom applications, which are becoming more critical as eDiscovery processes become more data-intensive and complex. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) maintains a steady 18% share of the cloud software market throughout the forecast period, with total spending expected to rise from $0.65 billion in 2023 to $1.19 billion in 2028. The consistent share and steady growth in spending on IaaS reflect the foundational role that infrastructure services play in supporting the entire eDiscovery process, from data storage to processing and analysis. The overall growth in cloud software spending indicates the broader trend towards cloud-based eDiscovery solutions. This move is fueled by the legal industry's growing comfort with cloud security, the need for scalable resources to handle fluctuating data volumes, and the desire for more cost-effective and flexible software deployment options. As cloud computing continues to mature and become more ubiquitous, we can expect eDiscovery professionals to increasingly leverage cloud-based services to manage the complexities of the discovery process more efficiently. The growth in PaaS and IaaS also points to a market that is becoming more sophisticated, as users not only consume software but also build and manage their applications and infrastructure in the cloud.

Geographical Market Size (Figure 6) The eDiscovery market is seeing a dynamic shift in its geographical composition. The United States, traditionally the largest market for eDiscovery services, is forecasted to decrease its relative market share gradually from 2023 to 2028. In 2023, the US market share stands at 70%, expected to reduce to 65% by 2028. This 5% shift over the five years suggests a maturation of the US market and possibly a saturation of eDiscovery service offerings. Conversely, the Rest of the World (ROW) market is anticipated to increase its share from 30% to 35% over the same period. This uptick reflects the globalizing nature of legal services and the expanding adoption of eDiscovery technologies and practices in international markets. Emerging markets, increased global data regulations, and international litigation activities may drive this growth. Despite the decreasing percentage of market share, the total market size in the US shows a robust upward trajectory, with the market expected to grow from $10.57 billion in 2023 to $14.72 billion in 2028. This growth translates to an approximate 39% increase over the forecasted period, indicating a healthy expansion in absolute terms. This growth suggests that while the US's share of the global market may be shrinking, the overall demand for eDiscovery within the US is growing significantly, likely driven by the increasing complexity of legal cases, the growth of data, and the adoption of new technologies such as AI and machine learning in the legal sector. The combined picture is one of a global eDiscovery market that is growing in size and becoming more distributed across international boundaries. This trend could signal an opportunity for eDiscovery service providers to expand their global footprint and for legal professionals to increase their cross-border competencies and capabilities.

Government and Non-Government Market Size (Figure 7) The eDiscovery market is bifurcated into government/regulatory and non-government segments, each demonstrating distinct trends in terms of market share and total spending. Government/Regulatory Segment The government/regulatory segment's proportion of the market is on a gradual decline, moving from 45% in 2023 to an anticipated 40% by 2028. Despite this relative decrease, absolute government/regulatory sector spending is projected to grow from $6.79 billion in 2023 to $9.06 billion in 2028. This uptrend indicates that while the government's proportionate market size is shrinking relative to the non-government sector, the actual investment in eDiscovery tools and services is increasing. This increase could be due to the rising volume of data involved in regulatory actions and litigations, increased emphasis on compliance and governance, and the modernization of government IT infrastructure. Non-Government Segment Conversely, the non-government segment's market share is expected to increase from 55% in 2023 to 60% by 2028. The spending in this segment is forecasted to see a more pronounced rise from $8.30 billion to $13.59 billion over the same period. This robust growth can be attributed to the large-scale adoption of eDiscovery solutions in the private sector, driven by corporate litigations, internal investigations, and compliance requirements. As businesses continue to digitize their operations and face complex legal challenges, their reliance on eDiscovery solutions intensifies. The diverging trends between the two segments highlight the dynamic nature of the eDiscovery market. While both sectors are growing in terms of absolute market size, the non-government sector is expanding more rapidly, likely due to the scalability and agility offered by eDiscovery solutions that are becoming increasingly critical in the face of fast-paced business environments and complex data landscapes. The steady growth within the government sector underscores the ongoing need for robust eDiscovery practices amidst an environment of heightened regulatory scrutiny. At the same time, the accelerated growth in the non-government sector suggests that enterprises are becoming the main drivers of innovation and revenue within the eDiscovery market. As the volume and variety of data sources continue to expand, the importance of eDiscovery tools and services is set to become even more pronounced across both segments.

Estimated Spending by eDiscovery Task (Figure 8) The eDiscovery market's spending patterns reveal telling insights when segmented by task—Review, Processing, and Collection. Each task is a critical component of the eDiscovery process, but their shares of total spending are shifting, reflecting evolving priorities and technological advancements in the field. Review The Review task commands the largest share of eDiscovery spending, although its percentage is forecasted to decrease from 65% in 2023 to 60% by 2028. In terms of dollar value, however, the spending on review is expected to see a significant rise from $9.81 billion to $13.59 billion. This indicates that while technology and efficiencies may be reducing the relative cost of review as part of the total eDiscovery spend, the absolute cost is growing due to the increasing volume and complexity of data needing review. This trend underscores the ongoing challenge of sifting through vast amounts of data to find relevant information and the importance of investing in sophisticated review tools and technologies. Processing Spending on processing maintains a consistent 20% of the total eDiscovery task spending across the forecast period. The total spending on processing is projected to increase from $3.02 billion in 2023 to $4.53 billion by 2028. This steady growth reflects the critical nature of processing in preparing data for review and analysis and suggests a stable demand for services that can handle increasingly complex data types and formats. Collection The Collection task is expected to grow its market share from 15% in 2023 to 20% by 2028. This is reflected in the total spending, which is projected to double from $2.26 billion to $4.53 billion. The increase in both percentage and spending points to the growing recognition of the importance of effective data collection practices, particularly as data sources become more diverse and dispersed. With the advent of new data types and the expansion of data creation points, the need for sophisticated collection tools and services that can navigate complex digital environments is becoming more pronounced. These shifting spending patterns reflect the evolving nature of the eDiscovery market. While the review continues to take up the majority of resources, there is a notable shift towards investing in the collection, which could be indicative of the market's response to the ever-expanding universe of data that organizations must manage. This also suggests that eDiscovery practitioners are investing more in the early stages of the eDiscovery process, recognizing that efficient collection can significantly streamline subsequent phases, such as review and processing.

Estimated Direct Delivery by Provider (Figure 9) The distribution of eDiscovery tasks by different providers indicates how the landscape of eDiscovery is managed across corporations, law firms, and service providers. The data reflects a shift in where the work is completed, with corporations and governments currently handling the majority of eDiscovery tasks directly. Delivery by Corporations and Governments Corporations and government entities are the most significant contributors to eDiscovery delivery, although their relative share is forecasted to decline from 74% in 2023 to 69% by 2028. Despite this decrease in percentage, the total spending by corporations and governments is expected to grow from $11.17 billion to $15.63 billion. This growth suggests an increasing volume of work being conducted in-house due to factors such as the rise in regulatory scrutiny, a greater emphasis on privacy, and the need for quicker access to data. Delivery by Law Firms Law firms consistently represent a smaller portion of eDiscovery delivery, with their share expected to increase slightly from 14% to 16% over the forecast period. The spending by law firms on eDiscovery tasks is anticipated to grow from $2.11 billion to $3.62 billion. This increase reflects the growing complexity of legal work, the specialization of law firms in managing intricate cases, and the expansion of legal services to include more comprehensive eDiscovery capabilities. Direct Delivery by Service Providers Service providers are projected to see a gradual increase in their market share from 12% to 15% by 2028, with total spending increasing from $1.81 billion to $3.40 billion. This trend indicates a growing reliance on specialized eDiscovery service providers, who offer expertise in managing and analyzing large datasets, as well as advanced technology solutions that may not be available in-house. Total Providers Delivery The total spending on delivery by all providers is expected to rise from $15.09 billion to $22.65 billion, reflecting the overall growth of the eDiscovery market. This substantial increase suggests that despite the relative shifts in delivery by different providers, the demand for eDiscovery services is on a solid upward trajectory. The trends in delivery indicate a nuanced eDiscovery ecosystem where in-house capabilities are being bolstered in corporations and governments, law firms are deepening their eDiscovery practices, and service providers are carving out a larger role due to their specialized offerings. This dynamic points to a future where the collaboration between various types of eDiscovery providers becomes increasingly important to handle the scale and complexity of discovery in the digital age.

Closing Summary: The Next Five Years in eDiscovery The eDiscovery market is on the cusp of significant transformation. The period from 2023 to 2028 is expected to witness substantial growth, driven by the increasing complexity of data management and the need for sophisticated analysis tools. This report has traversed the eDiscovery market landscape, highlighting the aggregate growth within software and services. It has shed light on the rising prominence of software solutions and the steady demand for specialized eDiscovery services. As we look towards the future, it is clear that the industry will continue to evolve, influenced by technological innovation and the growing demands of an increasingly digital legal environment. Stakeholders in the eDiscovery market should consider these insights to strategize for the years ahead, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie on the horizon. Potential Impact of Generative AI on the eDiscovery Market As we enter the age of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), its potential to disrupt the eDiscovery market warrants a focused discussion. GenAI stands to revolutionize data analysis and management by introducing unprecedented efficiencies across various market segments. The integration of GenAI into eDiscovery tools and services can dramatically streamline processes, reduce manual labor, and expedite the delivery of results. Impact on Aggregate Market The adoption of GenAI across the eDiscovery market is expected to enhance the aggregate market's productivity. By automating complex tasks such as document classification, pattern recognition, and predictive coding, GenAI can significantly reduce the time and resources required for data processing. This efficiency can lead to cost reductions and faster turnaround times, potentially increasing the volume of eDiscovery work that can be handled within the same time frames and budgets. Impact on Software (SW) Segment Within the software segment, GenAI is poised to offer sophisticated analytical capabilities that could greatly refine the process of sifting through large data sets. GenAI-powered software can learn from data to improve its performance over time, leading to increasingly accurate identification of relevant documents. This could shift the software segment's CAGR upward as firms and organizations increasingly seek out these advanced capabilities to gain a competitive edge. Impact on Services Segment For the services segment, GenAI can act as a force multiplier. Service providers equipped with GenAI technologies can offer enhanced services, such as predictive analytics and intelligent case assessments, which could result in the segment capturing a larger market share than currently projected. By reducing the human effort required for repetitive tasks, GenAI allows legal professionals to focus on more strategic activities, thereby increasing the value and appeal of eDiscovery services. The integration of GenAI into the eDiscovery market is not a matter of if but when. Its impact is anticipated to be transformative across all segments, driving efficiencies and creating opportunities for innovation. As we look to the future, market players should consider GenAI as a critical element in their strategic planning, preparing for a landscape where speed, accuracy, and efficiency are greatly enhanced by these advanced technologies. Those who embrace GenAI early may find themselves at the forefront of a new era in eDiscovery, leading the charge toward a more efficient and effective digital legal process.

Lagniappe: Narrative on the Growth of the eDiscovery Software and Services Market 2012-2028 (Figure 10) From 2012 to 2028, the eDiscovery market, encompassing both software and services, exhibited significant growth. This period marks a transformative era, reflecting the increasing reliance on digital data in legal and regulatory frameworks. Software Segment Growth The software segment of the eDiscovery market has shown a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 12.28%. Starting from a spend of $1.42 billion in 2012, it has steadily risen to a projected $9.06 billion by 2028. This substantial growth underscores the evolving technological landscape in eDiscovery, with software solutions becoming increasingly sophisticated. The integration of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning has driven this segment, reflecting a shift towards more efficient, automated, and accurate data processing and analysis. Services Segment Growth The services segment, while growing at a slightly slower pace, has still demonstrated a significant CAGR of approximately 9.23%. From a spend of $3.31 billion in 2012, it is expected to reach $13.59 billion by 2028. This growth can be attributed to the expanding complexity of legal cases, the proliferation of data sources, and the increasing need for specialized expertise in data management and analysis. The services sector has continued to play a crucial role, providing the necessary support, consultation, and managed services integral to the eDiscovery process. Total Market Growth and CAGR Over the span from 2012 to 2028, the total market spend in eDiscovery has reached approximately $211.67 billion, with a combined CAGR of around 10.28%. This reflects the overall expansion of the eDiscovery market, driven by both technological advancements and the growing demand for comprehensive legal and regulatory data management. The Future Through the Lens of the Past The evolution of the eDiscovery market from 2012 to 2028 paints a picture of an industry adapting to and growing with the increasing digitalization of information. The substantial growth in both software and services segments highlights the escalating importance and complexity of eDiscovery in the modern age. With the market continuing to expand, stakeholders in the legal, corporate, and government sectors must stay abreast of these trends, leveraging the advancements in technology and services to meet their evolving needs.

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The mashup charts (Figures 1-10) represent one interpretation of aggregated and modeled available information that focuses on eDiscovery market trends, size, growth, and segmentation. Figure 1 - eDiscovery Software and Services Market [pdf-embedder url="https://complexdiscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/eDiscovery-Software-and-Services-Market-2023-2028-Updated.pdf" title="eDiscovery Software and Services Market (2023-2028) – Updated"]

Figure 2 - eDiscovery Software Market [pdf-embedder url="https://complexdiscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/eDiscovery-Software-Market-All-2023-2028.pdf" title="eDiscovery Software Market – All (2023-2028)"]

Figure 3 - eDiscovery Services Market [pdf-embedder url="https://complexdiscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/eDiscovery-Services-Market-2023-2028.pdf" title="eDiscovery Services Market (2023-2028)"]

Figure 4 - eDiscovery Software by Off-Premise and On-Premise Market [pdf-embedder url="https://complexdiscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/eDiscovery-Software-Market-2023-2028.pdf" title="eDiscovery Software Market (2023-2028)"]

Figure 5 - Cloud Software for Off-Premise Market [pdf-embedder url="https://complexdiscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/eDiscovery-Cloud-Software-Market-2023-2028.pdf" title="eDiscovery Cloud Software Market (2023-2028)"]

Figure 6 - eDiscovery Market Overview by Geography [pdf-embedder url="https://complexdiscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/eDiscovery-Market-Geographical-Overview-2023-2028.pdf" title="eDiscovery Market Geographical Overview (2023-2028)"]

Figure 7 - eDiscovery Market Overview by Government/Non-Government Markets [pdf-embedder url="https://complexdiscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/eDiscovery-Government-and-Non-Government-Market-Overview-2023-2028.pdf" title="eDiscovery Government and Non-Government Market Overview (2023-2028)"]

Figure 8 - eDiscovery Market Overview by Task [pdf-embedder url="https://complexdiscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/eDiscovery-Market-By-Task-2023-2028.pdf" title="eDiscovery Market By Task (2023-2028)"]

Figure 9 - Estimated Direct Delivery by Provider [pdf-embedder url="https://complexdiscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/eDiscovery-Market-By-Direct-Delivery-Approach-2023-2028.pdf" title="eDiscovery Market By Direct Delivery Approach (2023-2028)"]

Figure 10 - [Lagniappe] eDiscovery Market Sizing: Past and Projected [pdf-embedder url="https://complexdiscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/eDiscovery-Market-Sizing-Past-and-Projected-2024.pdf" title="eDiscovery Market Sizing – Past and Projected – 2024"]

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American Medical Association. 2020. The Year Ahead—Exclusive Interview With Anthony Fauci, MD, NIAID Director. November 7, 2020.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (Department of Commerce), 2020. Gross Domestic Product (Advance Estimate), Corporate Profits, And GDP By Industry, Third Quarter 2020. October 29, 2020.
ComplexDiscovery. "Resetting the Baseline? eDiscovery Market Size Adjustments for 2020." October 26, 2020.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (Department of Commerce), 2020. Gross Domestic Product (Third Estimate), Corporate Profits (Revised), And GDP By Industry, Second Quarter 2020. September 30, 2020.
Selected Industry eDiscovery Analysts (Discussion), 2020. eDiscovery Market Forecasting. October 19, 2020.
ComplexDiscovery. “2020 eDiscovery Business Confidence Surveys. (Running Listing).” October 2020.
Industry eDiscovery Providers (Discussion), 2020. eDiscovery Market Forecasting. September 29, 2020.
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Services Forecast, 2020-2024.” Ryan O’Leary. September 2020.
Selected Industry Investors (Discussion), 2020. eDiscovery Market Forecasting. September 15, 2020.
KL Discovery. "KL Discovery Inc. Announces Second Quarter Financial Results." KL Discovery. August 12, 2020.
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Software Forecast, 2020-2024.” Ryan O’Leary. June 2020.
ComplexDiscovery. “Home or Away? New eDiscovery Market Sizing and Pricing Considerations.” June 15, 2020.
Mordor Intelligence. 2020. Global Digital Forensics Market, 2020–2025. May 2020.
ComplexDiscovery. “Summer 2020 eDiscovery Pricing Survey Results.” May 2020.
ComplexDiscovery. “Revisions and Decisions? New Considerations for eDiscovery Secure Remote Reviews.” May 4, 2020.
Selected Industry eDiscovery Providers (Discussion), 2020. eDiscovery Market Forecasting. May 1, 2020.
ComplexDiscovery. “2019 eDiscovery Business Confidence Surveys. (Running Listing).” November 2019.
Relativity Fest Panel. “State of the eDiscovery Union.” Panelist Ryan O’Leary (IDC). October 22, 2019.
IDC. “IDC Marketscape: Worldwide eDiscovery SaaS Review Software Assessment.” Ryan O’Leary. August 12, 2019.
Gartner, Inc. “Market Guide for E-Discovery Solutions.” Julian Tirsu, Michael Hoeck. June 27, 2019.
ComplexDiscovery. “Summer 2019 eDiscovery Pricing Survey Results.” June 2019.
KL Discovery. “Investor Presentation.” Pivotal, KL Discovery. May 2019.
Gartner, Inc. “Defining Your E-Discovery Process Will Lower Costs and Reduce Risks.” Julian Tirsu. March 29, 2019.
Georgetown Law Center for the Study of the Legal Profession and the Thomson Reuters Legal Executive Institute. “2019 Report on the State of the Legal Market.” January 2019.
ComplexDiscovery. “Winter 2019 eDiscovery Pricing Survey Results.” December 2018.
ComplexDiscovery. “2018 eDiscovery Business Confidence Surveys. (Running Listing).” November 2018.
FRONTEO. “Form 20-F (073118).” UBIC Annual Report for Foreign Investors. July 2018.
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Software Forecast, 2018-2022.” Ryan O’Leary, Sean Pike. June 2018.
Markets and Markets. “eDiscovery Market by Component, Deployment Type, Organizational Size, Vertical, and Region – Global Forecast to 2023.” June 2018.
Georgetown Law Center for the Study of the Legal Profession and the Thomson Reuters Legal Executive Institute. “2018 Report on the State of the Legal Market.” January 2018.
Greentarget. “2018 Legal Industry Outlook.” January 2018.
Catalyst Investors. “Legal Tech Market Overview.” Kirk Mahoney. November 29, 2017.
Gartner, Inc. “Market Guide for E-Discovery Solutions.” Julian Tirsu, Garth Landers, Shane Harris. October 24, 2017.
P&S Market Research. “eDiscovery Market for Software and Services.” October 18, 2017.
ComplexDiscovery. eDiscovery Business Confidence Surveys – Running Listing. ComplexDiscovery. October 18, 2017.
Forbes. “Global Legal Tech Is Transforming Service Delivery.” Mark A. Cohen. August 29, 2017.
Aberdeen. “Key Strategies To Improve The Performance Of E-Discovery Teams.” Michael Caton. August 2017
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Services Market Shares, 2016: Global Leaders Emerge Through Industry Consolidation.” Angela Gelnaw. June 2017.
ACG Partner. “Legal Tech: Seeded and Ready to Launch.”, Trevor Martin, Ben Howe, Jon Guido, Fred Joseph. April 2017.
IDC. “Marketscape: Worldwide eDiscovery Services 2017 Vendor Assessment.” Angela Gelnaw. March 2017.
ComplexDiscovery. Annual eDiscovery Market Size Mashups – 2012 – 2017, ComplexDiscovery, March 4, 2017.
Zion Market Research. “eDiscovery Market for Government, Regulatory Agencies, Enterprises, and Law Firms.” November 23, 2016.
Markets and Markets. “E-Discovery Market by Solution, Service, Deployment Type, and Vertical – Global Forecast to 2021.” November 2016.
Future Market Insights (FMI). “eDiscovery Market Analysis – Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment.” July 5, 2016.
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Software Market Forecast, 2016-2020: Back to Basics.” Angela Gelnaw. June 30, 2016.
Gartner, Inc. “Market Guide for E-Discovery Solutions.” Jie Zhang. June 30, 2016.
U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration. “2016 Top Markets Report – Cloud Computing.” April 14, 2016.
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Services Forecast 2014-2019.” Sean Pike, Angela Gelnaw. December 2015.
Gartner, Inc. “Critical Capabilities for E-Discovery Software.” Jie Zhang, Garth Landers. October 6, 2015.
Transparency Market Research. “eDiscovery Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014-2022.” July 6, 2015
Markets and Markets. “E-Discovery Market By Solution, Deployment, Industry, & Region – Global Forecast to 2020.” July 2015.
Global Industry Analysts, Inc. “eDiscovery (Software and Services) Global Strategic Business Report.” May 28, 2015.
Gartner, Inc. “Magic Quadrant for E-Discovery Software.” Jie Zhang, Garth Landers. May 18, 2015.
The Radicati Group. “eDiscovery Market, 2014-2018.” Sara Radicati. December 3, 2014.
Transparency Market Research. “eDiscovery Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2014-2020).” June 2014.
Gartner, Inc. “Magic Quadrant for E-Discovery Software.” Jie Zhang, Debra Logan, Garth Landers. June 19, 2014.
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Software 2014-2018 Forecast.” Sean Pike. May 2014.
The Radicati Group. “eDiscovery Market, 2013-2017.” Sara Radicati. August 2013.
Gartner, Inc. “Magic Quadrant for E-Discovery Software.” Debra Logan, Alan Dayley, Sheila Childs. June 10, 2013.
The Radicati Group. “eDiscovery Market, 2012-2016.” Sara Radicati, Todd Yamasaki. October 2012.
Transparency Market Research. “World e-Discovery Software & Service Market Study.” August 2012.
Rand Institute For Civil Justice. “Where the Money Goes: Understanding Litigant Expenditures for Producing Electronic Discovery.” Nicolas Pace and Laura Zakaras. April 2012.
IDC. “MarketScape: Worldwide Standalone Early Case Assessment Applications Vendor Analysis.” Vivian Tero. September 19, 2011.
Industry Observer Estimations (Multiple Observers)

Additional Reading

**What is a Mashup? A mashup is a combination or mixing of content from different sources to create a new way of looking at data. The main characteristic of a mashup includes combinations, visualizations, and aggregation. Mashups can help make existing data more useful, moreover for personal and professional use. (Wikipedia) Source: ComplexDiscovery

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Industry Research

The Next Five Years in eDiscovery: Market Size Forecast for 2023-2028

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ComplexDiscovery. 2023 eDiscovery Business Confidence Surveys. (Running Listing). November 2023.
Selected Industry eDiscovery Providers (Discussions), 2023. Research, Reports, and Interviews. November 2023.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (Department of Commerce), 2023. Gross Domestic Product (Advance Estimate), Third Quarter 2023. October 26, 2023.
Harvard Business Review. Navigating the Jagged Technological Frontier: Field Experimental Evidence of the Effects of AI on Knowledge Worker Productivity and Quality (Working Paper). Dell'Acqua et. al. September 2023.
IDC. IDC Market Forecast: Worldwide eDiscovery and Forensics Applications Software Forecast, 2023-2027. Ryan O’Leary, June 2023.
IDC. IDC Media Release: Worldwide Spending on IT and Business Services. April 2023.
Industry Research. Global eDiscovery Industry Research Report 2023. January 2023.
Prescient Strategic Intelligence. eDiscovery Market Size and Analysis. November 2022.
ComplexDiscovery. 2022 eDiscovery Business Confidence Surveys. (Running Listing). November 2022.
Selected Industry eDiscovery Providers (Discussions), 2022. eDiscovery Market Trends and Trajectories. November 2022.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (Department of Commerce), 2022. Gross Domestic Product (Advance Estimate), Third Quarter 2022. October 27, 2022.
Research and Markets. eDiscovery Market Research Report by Deployment, Component, Verticals, Region, Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19. 360iReseearch, October 2022.
Gartner. Market Guide for E-Discovery Solutions. Michael Hoeck, October 2022.
IDC. IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Review Software 2022 Vendor Assessment. Ryan O’Leary, October 2022.
Allied Market Research. Global eDiscovery Market: Opportunities and Forecast 2021 - 2031. G Akansha, G Ankit, K Vineet. September 2022.
IDC. IDC MarketScape: Worldwide eDiscovery Early Case Assessment Software 2022 Vendor Assessment. Ryan O’Leary, September 2022.
360 Market Updates. Global eDiscovery Industry Research Report - Competitive Landscape, Market Size, Regional Status, and Prospect. September 2022.
Houlihan Lokey. Legal Technology and Services Q3 Update. August 2022
Research and Markets. 2022. eDiscovery Market - Forecasts from 2021 to 2026. Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence LLP, December 2021.
ComplexDiscovery. Annual eDiscovery Market Size Mashups – 2012 – 2022. November 21, 2021.
Reports and Data. 2021. eDiscovery Market Size Expected to Reach USD 31.89 Billion at CAGR of 12.3%, By 2028. November 7, 2021.
ComplexDiscovery. 2021 eDiscovery Business Confidence Surveys. (Running Listing). November 2021.
Research and Markets. 2021. eDiscovery Market Research Report by Deployment, Component, Verticals, and Region - Global Forecast to 2026 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19. October 2021.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (Department of Commerce), 2021. Gross Domestic Product (Advance Estimate), Corporate Profits, And GDP By Industry, Third Quarter 2021. October 28, 2021.
Nasdaq. 2021. LegalTechnology: Why the Legal Tech Boom is Just Getting Started. Casey Flaherty and Jae Um. October 11, 2021.
Research and Markets. 2021. eDiscovery Market Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021 - 2026. September 2021.
BMC. 2021. The State of SaaS in 2022: Growth Trends and Statistics. Laura Shriff and Chrissy Kidd. September 17, 2021.
EY. 2021. Top Five eDiscovery Trends in 2021. Harshavardhan Godugula. August 31, 2021.
Nuix. 2021. FY21 Financial Results Investor Presentation. August 31, 2021.
Securities and Exchange Commission. 2021. Form S-1 Statement for CS Disco, Inc. June 25, 2021.
ComplexDiscovery. 2021. Summer 2021 eDiscovery Pricing Survey Results. June 6, 2021.
eDiscovery Journal. 2021. A Different Perspective on eDiscovery Market Size. Greg Buckles. April 6, 2021.
Facts and Factors. 2021. Global Market Size and Share will Reach USD $24.12 Billion by 2026. February 10, 2021.
Market and Markets. 2021. eDiscovery Market worth $12.9B by 2025. January 2021.
Third-Party Market Studies (Independent Briefing). 2021. Industry Overview for eDiscovery Technology. May 2021.
Third-Party Market Studies (Independent Briefing). 2021. eDiscovery Sector Update. April 2021.
Securities and Exchange Commission. 2021. Form 10-K Statement for KLDiscovery, Inc. March 18, 2021.
ComplexDiscovery. Annual eDiscovery Market Size Mashups – 2012 – 2021. November 11, 2020.
American Medical Association. 2020. The Year Ahead—Exclusive Interview With Anthony Fauci, MD, NIAID Director. November 7, 2020.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (Department of Commerce), 2020. Gross Domestic Product (Advance Estimate), Corporate Profits, And GDP By Industry, Third Quarter 2020. October 29, 2020.
ComplexDiscovery. "Resetting the Baseline? eDiscovery Market Size Adjustments for 2020." October 26, 2020.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (Department of Commerce), 2020. Gross Domestic Product (Third Estimate), Corporate Profits (Revised), And GDP By Industry, Second Quarter 2020. September 30, 2020.
Selected Industry eDiscovery Analysts (Discussion), 2020. eDiscovery Market Forecasting. October 19, 2020.
ComplexDiscovery. “2020 eDiscovery Business Confidence Surveys. (Running Listing).” October 2020.
Industry eDiscovery Providers (Discussion), 2020. eDiscovery Market Forecasting. September 29, 2020.
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Services Forecast, 2020-2024.” Ryan O’Leary. September 2020.
Selected Industry Investors (Discussion), 2020. eDiscovery Market Forecasting. September 15, 2020.
KL Discovery. "KL Discovery Inc. Announces Second Quarter Financial Results." KL Discovery. August 12, 2020.
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Software Forecast, 2020-2024.” Ryan O’Leary. June 2020.
ComplexDiscovery. “Home or Away? New eDiscovery Market Sizing and Pricing Considerations.” June 15, 2020.
Mordor Intelligence. 2020. Global Digital Forensics Market, 2020–2025. May 2020.
ComplexDiscovery. “Summer 2020 eDiscovery Pricing Survey Results.” May 2020.
ComplexDiscovery. “Revisions and Decisions? New Considerations for eDiscovery Secure Remote Reviews.” May 4, 2020.
Selected Industry eDiscovery Providers (Discussion), 2020. eDiscovery Market Forecasting. May 1, 2020.
ComplexDiscovery. “2019 eDiscovery Business Confidence Surveys. (Running Listing).” November 2019.
Relativity Fest Panel. “State of the eDiscovery Union.” Panelist Ryan O’Leary (IDC). October 22, 2019.
IDC. “IDC Marketscape: Worldwide eDiscovery SaaS Review Software Assessment.” Ryan O’Leary. August 12, 2019.
Gartner, Inc. “Market Guide for E-Discovery Solutions.” Julian Tirsu, Michael Hoeck. June 27, 2019.
ComplexDiscovery. “Summer 2019 eDiscovery Pricing Survey Results.” June 2019.
KL Discovery. “Investor Presentation.” Pivotal, KL Discovery. May 2019.
Gartner, Inc. “Defining Your E-Discovery Process Will Lower Costs and Reduce Risks.” Julian Tirsu. March 29, 2019.
Georgetown Law Center for the Study of the Legal Profession and the Thomson Reuters Legal Executive Institute. “2019 Report on the State of the Legal Market.” January 2019.
ComplexDiscovery. “Winter 2019 eDiscovery Pricing Survey Results.” December 2018.
ComplexDiscovery. “2018 eDiscovery Business Confidence Surveys. (Running Listing).” November 2018.
FRONTEO. “Form 20-F (073118).” UBIC Annual Report for Foreign Investors. July 2018.
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Software Forecast, 2018-2022.” Ryan O’Leary, Sean Pike. June 2018.
Markets and Markets. “eDiscovery Market by Component, Deployment Type, Organizational Size, Vertical, and Region – Global Forecast to 2023.” June 2018.
Georgetown Law Center for the Study of the Legal Profession and the Thomson Reuters Legal Executive Institute. “2018 Report on the State of the Legal Market.” January 2018.
Greentarget. “2018 Legal Industry Outlook.” January 2018.
Catalyst Investors. “Legal Tech Market Overview.” Kirk Mahoney. November 29, 2017.
Gartner, Inc. “Market Guide for E-Discovery Solutions.” Julian Tirsu, Garth Landers, Shane Harris. October 24, 2017.
P&S Market Research. “eDiscovery Market for Software and Services.” October 18, 2017.
ComplexDiscovery. eDiscovery Business Confidence Surveys – Running Listing. ComplexDiscovery. October 18, 2017.
Forbes. “Global Legal Tech Is Transforming Service Delivery.” Mark A. Cohen. August 29, 2017.
Aberdeen. “Key Strategies To Improve The Performance Of E-Discovery Teams.” Michael Caton. August 2017
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Services Market Shares, 2016: Global Leaders Emerge Through Industry Consolidation.” Angela Gelnaw. June 2017.
ACG Partner. “Legal Tech: Seeded and Ready to Launch.”, Trevor Martin, Ben Howe, Jon Guido, Fred Joseph. April 2017.
IDC. “Marketscape: Worldwide eDiscovery Services 2017 Vendor Assessment.” Angela Gelnaw. March 2017.
ComplexDiscovery. Annual eDiscovery Market Size Mashups – 2012 – 2017, ComplexDiscovery, March 4, 2017.
Zion Market Research. “eDiscovery Market for Government, Regulatory Agencies, Enterprises, and Law Firms.” November 23, 2016.
Markets and Markets. “E-Discovery Market by Solution, Service, Deployment Type, and Vertical – Global Forecast to 2021.” November 2016.
Future Market Insights (FMI). “eDiscovery Market Analysis – Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment.” July 5, 2016.
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Software Market Forecast, 2016-2020: Back to Basics.” Angela Gelnaw. June 30, 2016.
Gartner, Inc. “Market Guide for E-Discovery Solutions.” Jie Zhang. June 30, 2016.
U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration. “2016 Top Markets Report – Cloud Computing.” April 14, 2016.
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Services Forecast 2014-2019.” Sean Pike, Angela Gelnaw. December 2015.
Gartner, Inc. “Critical Capabilities for E-Discovery Software.” Jie Zhang, Garth Landers. October 6, 2015.
Transparency Market Research. “eDiscovery Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014-2022.” July 6, 2015
Markets and Markets. “E-Discovery Market By Solution, Deployment, Industry, & Region – Global Forecast to 2020.” July 2015.
Global Industry Analysts, Inc. “eDiscovery (Software and Services) Global Strategic Business Report.” May 28, 2015.
Gartner, Inc. “Magic Quadrant for E-Discovery Software.” Jie Zhang, Garth Landers. May 18, 2015.
The Radicati Group. “eDiscovery Market, 2014-2018.” Sara Radicati. December 3, 2014.
Transparency Market Research. “eDiscovery Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2014-2020).” June 2014.
Gartner, Inc. “Magic Quadrant for E-Discovery Software.” Jie Zhang, Debra Logan, Garth Landers. June 19, 2014.
IDC. “Worldwide eDiscovery Software 2014-2018 Forecast.” Sean Pike. May 2014.
The Radicati Group. “eDiscovery Market, 2013-2017.” Sara Radicati. August 2013.
Gartner, Inc. “Magic Quadrant for E-Discovery Software.” Debra Logan, Alan Dayley, Sheila Childs. June 10, 2013.
The Radicati Group. “eDiscovery Market, 2012-2016.” Sara Radicati, Todd Yamasaki. October 2012.
Transparency Market Research. “World e-Discovery Software & Service Market Study.” August 2012.
Rand Institute For Civil Justice. “Where the Money Goes: Understanding Litigant Expenditures for Producing Electronic Discovery.” Nicolas Pace and Laura Zakaras. April 2012.
IDC. “MarketScape: Worldwide Standalone Early Case Assessment Applications Vendor Analysis.” Vivian Tero. September 19, 2011.
Industry Observer Estimations (Multiple Observers)

Additional Reading

The Next Five Years in eDiscovery: Market Size Forecast for 2023-2028

In an era where digital data proliferates at an unprecedented rate, the eDiscovery market has become a critical component in the legal, corporate, and government sectors. This comprehensive report delves into the eDiscovery market, providing a detailed analysis of its size and growth from 2023 to 2028. It examines the market in aggregate and segmented into software and services, providing insights into the Compound Annual Growth Rates (CAGR) and shifts in market shares. The narratives presented herein reflect the current state of the market and project the trends expected to shape the future of eDiscovery. As organizations navigate through vast quantities of data for legal and regulatory purposes, understanding these trends is paramount for strategic decision-making and maintaining a competitive edge. Read More about “The Next Five Years in eDiscovery: Market Size Forecast for 2023-2028”…

Exploring the Uptake of LLMs and Generative Artificial Intelligence in the eDiscovery Ecosystem

A recent survey of 64 eDiscovery professionals by ComplexDiscovery OÜ reveals notable industry progress in adopting large language models (LLMs) and generative AI. The findings highlight a shift towards integrating these technologies to enhance efficiency and gain a competitive edge. However, concerns around accuracy, compliance, costs, and ethics remain. Examining survey insights may help illuminate the pivotal impacts of LLMs and generative AI on the legal discovery landscape. Read More about “Exploring the Uptake of LLMs and Generative Artificial Intelligence in the eDiscovery Ecosystem”…

Editor's Note: From time to time, ComplexDiscovery highlights publicly available or privately purchasable announcements, content updates, and research from cyber, data, and legal discovery providers, research organizations, and ComplexDiscovery community members. While ComplexDiscovery regularly highlights this information, it does not assume any responsibility for content assertions.

Contact us today to submit recommendations for consideration and inclusion in ComplexDiscovery's data and legal discovery-centric service, product, or research announcements.

Background Note: In a time where transparency, accountability, and sustainability have become watchwords for business success, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are becoming more than just a trend; they're becoming an essential part of doing business. For eDiscovery service and software providers, this new business reality brings unique challenges and opportunities. As custodians of vast amounts of data and participants in an industry where technological change is the norm, eDiscovery providers are uniquely positioned to lead in ESG initiatives. This responsibility doesn't just reflect a moral obligation; it's a business imperative. As customer expectations evolve and regulatory requirements tighten, companies that embrace ESG principles can gain a competitive edge, innovate more effectively, and build a more resilient, future-proof business.

Industry Backgrounder

The Green Equation: How ESG and Green Computing May Boost the eDiscovery Bottom Line

ComplexDiscovery*

As we stand on the threshold of a new era of business, the traditional measures of success are being reevaluated. The 21st-century business landscape is shaped not just by financial performance but by the broader impact of an organization on society and the planet. The rise of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors as critical considerations in strategic planning have created a seismic shift in how businesses operate and thrive. Amid this transformation, sustainability and green computing are emerging as essential components of a responsible and future-forward business strategy.

ESG, a comprehensive framework for assessing a company's commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, has moved from the periphery to the core of business decision-making. It's no longer a matter of 'if' but 'how' businesses incorporate ESG factors into their strategic, operational, and tactical initiatives. From managing environmental impact to ensuring robust governance practices and prioritizing social responsibilities, ESG is fast becoming the new benchmark for businesses worldwide.

Sustainability, a key element of the 'E' in ESG, is about conducting business in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It involves creating systems and products that are efficient, require fewer resources, and minimize waste and pollution. It's about building resilience against future challenges and contributing positively to society and the environment.

Green computing, an aspect of sustainability, is a rapidly emerging field. It focuses on designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of computers, servers, and associated subsystems with minimal environmental impact. Green computing looks beyond immediate financial gains, considering the total lifecycle cost of a product, including its energy consumption, operational expenses, and environmental impact.

This article examines the intersection of ESG, sustainability, and green computing at a high level. It explores why these concepts are no longer optional but essential for businesses aiming to succeed in a rapidly changing, globally connected world. It also discusses how these practices can provide a competitive advantage, drive innovation, ensure compliance, enhance brand reputation, and ultimately contribute to long-term business success.

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Defining and Describing ESG

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. These three pillars form a framework for evaluating an organization's sustainability and societal impact. They provide a broad set of criteria for investors and stakeholders to assess a company's operations and performance beyond traditional financial metrics.

Environmental factors concern a company's environmental impact and role in climate change. They include things like energy use, waste management, pollution, natural resource conservation, and treatment of animals.
Social factors look at how a company manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities in which it operates. They can include worker health and safety, labor rights, diversity and inclusion, customer satisfaction, data protection and privacy, and community development.
Governance factors involve a company's leadership, executive pay, audits, internal controls, and shareholder rights. They can also include issues such as corruption, political lobbying, and legal compliance.

ESG is important for business leaders because it can influence an organization's long-term sustainability and immediate operational success. Here are examples of how ESG influences sustainability and success:

Risk Management: ESG factors can help identify and manage risks that are not immediately apparent through traditional financial analysis. For example, companies with strong environmental practices may be less exposed to a major environmental incident's financial and reputational damage.
Investor Interest: There is growing demand from investors for companies to demonstrate strong ESG performance. Investors increasingly recognize that ESG factors can significantly impact a company's financial performance and long-term viability.
Regulatory Compliance: Governments worldwide are introducing regulations requiring companies to disclose their ESG performance. Proactive companies in this area will likely be better prepared to meet these requirements.
Operational Efficiency: Many ESG factors, such as energy efficiency or waste reduction, can also help improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
Reputation and Brand Value: Companies that perform well on ESG measures can enhance their reputation, increase customer loyalty, and potentially command a price premium for their products or services.
Employee Engagement: Companies with strong ESG credentials often find attracting and retaining top talent easier, leading to greater productivity and innovation.

Strategic planning incorporating ESG considerations can also help a company anticipate changes in the regulatory environment, consumer behavior, and societal norms and thus be better prepared to adapt. Regarding operational and tactical execution, incorporating ESG can lead to process improvements, cost savings, and increased employee engagement. Additionally, it can help a company build stronger relationships with suppliers, customers, and communities, contributing to business success.

Addressing and Assessing Green Computing

At the intersection of ESG and sustainability is green computing, an emerging field with the potential to significantly shape businesses' future success in a digitally interconnected world. Five ways green computing is shaping business success today include:

Competitive Advantage

Incorporating ESG considerations into business strategies can provide a significant competitive advantage. Consumers, investors, and stakeholders increasingly choose to align themselves with organizations that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. This shift in sentiment has created a market where ESG performance can set businesses apart. As part of a company's ESG strategy, green computing can improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize the environmental impact, providing a unique selling point that differentiates an organization from its competitors.

Driving Innovation

ESG and green computing aren't just about compliance and reputation management; they can also be significant drivers of innovation. When businesses strive to reduce their environmental impact or improve their governance practices, they often need to find new, creative solutions to complex challenges. This approach can lead to the development of innovative products, services, and processes that contribute to sustainability and provide new avenues for growth and profitability. For example, green computing initiatives might lead to the development of energy-efficient software, systems, and processes that reduce environmental impact and save costs in the long term.

Ensuring Compliance

Regulatory bodies worldwide increasingly recognize the importance of ESG factors, leading to new laws and regulations to promote sustainability and social responsibility. By incorporating ESG considerations into their operations, including green computing practices, businesses can ensure they stay ahead of regulatory changes and avoid potential penalties. Proactive compliance can enhance a company's reputation with regulators, potentially resulting in more favorable treatment in case of inadvertent violations.

Enhancing Brand Reputation

As public awareness of environmental and social issues grows, businesses are under increasing scrutiny. Companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to ESG principles, including sustainable and ethical computing practices, can significantly enhance their brand reputation. This application of ESG principles can lead to increased customer loyalty, more opportunities for partnership, and better relationships with stakeholders. On the other hand, businesses that fail to consider ESG considerations can suffer reputational damage that can be difficult and expensive to repair.

Long-term Business Success

While the immediate benefits of ESG and green computing are considerable, their most significant impact is their contribution to long-term business success. Companies that adopt sustainable and ethical practices are better positioned to weather future challenges, whether they be regulatory changes, shifts in consumer sentiment, or new technological advancements. These businesses are also more likely to attract and retain top talent, who increasingly seek employers that align with their values.

ESG and green computing represent more than just a trend; they are fundamental shifts in how businesses operate in the 21st century. Companies embracing these concepts can expect to improve their immediate bottom line and secure long-term success in a rapidly changing, globally connected world. The path to sustainability and social responsibility may be complex, but the tangible and intangible rewards make the journey worthwhile.

From Green Coding to Green Resource Management

Beyond the broader ESG strategy, let's dive deeper into the specific realm of green computing, a field quickly emerging as an essential component of sustainability efforts within organizations and a proverbial green field opportunity for eDiscovery service and software providers.

Green coding, for instance, is a practice that seeks to reduce the environmental footprint of software development. By following environmentally friendly coding practices, developers can create more energy-efficient software that uses fewer resources, thereby contributing to the overall sustainability goals of the organization. Businesses adopting green coding can reduce operational costs while demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing their brand reputation.

In addition to green coding, sustainable data management techniques can significantly contribute to an organization's green computing efforts. Efficient data management techniques can minimize the environmental impact of storing, processing, and transferring data, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. Further, adopting these techniques can enhance operational efficiency and provide cost-saving benefits.

Green resource management in computing, another crucial aspect, involves optimizing resource usage within computing environments, including hardware, software, and energy resources. This approach can significantly reduce an organization's environmental footprint while saving operational costs.

The Green Software Development Life Cycle

The adoption of green practices should not be limited to specific aspects of computing but should permeate the entire software development life cycle. This includes incorporating sustainability considerations into design, development, deployment, and maintenance stages. By doing so, businesses can ensure that their software products are efficient, high-performing, and environmentally friendly.

Measurement and Improvement

To track progress and understand the impact of their green computing efforts, businesses need robust tools and techniques for measurement. By quantifying the environmental impact of their software development processes, organizations can identify areas for improvement and monitor their progress toward sustainability goals. These measurements can also provide valuable data that can be communicated to stakeholders, demonstrating the organization's commitment to ESG principles.

ESG, Sustainability, and Green Computing: Impact Beyond the Environment

While the environmental benefits of ESG, sustainability, and green computing are substantial, their impact extends far beyond the environment. They can also contribute to financial stability, market positioning, and overall business success. Businesses prioritizing these aspects are more likely to attract and retain top talent, appeal to increasingly conscious consumers, and stay ahead in a competitive market.

In today's business landscape, ESG, sustainability, and green computing are no longer optional – they are essential. The businesses that embrace these concepts will be well-positioned to thrive in a rapidly changing, globally connected world while contributing positively to the society and environment in which they operate. The challenge is significant, but the benefits – for businesses, their stakeholders, and the planet – make pursuing these goals a clear business imperative.

Addressing Objections to ESG and Green Computing

Despite the many advantages and business benefits of ESG programs and green computing, there are still objections and hesitations. Some argue that these initiatives add complexity and cost, and distract from core business objectives. Others express concerns about the maturity of green computing technologies or the lack of standardization in ESG measurements and reporting.

However, these objections often overlook the long-term business benefits that these initiatives can bring. Investing in ESG and green computing is not just about doing what's suitable for the environment but also about creating resilient, future-proof businesses. In an increasingly global and interconnected world, companies are expected to take responsibility for their environmental impact. Ignoring these expectations can lead to significant risks, including regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and loss of trust among consumers and investors.

The perceived challenges and costs associated with implementing ESG programs and green computing initiatives can be managed with strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and continuous learning and improvement. Many companies have successfully integrated these concepts into their business models and operations and have reaped substantial cost savings, improved stakeholder relationships, enhanced brand reputation, and competitive advantage.

The Future of Business: ESG and Green Computing

ESG, sustainability, and green computing have become integral to business success, and they offer companies opportunities to innovate, differentiate themselves, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. As stakeholder expectations continue rising and regulatory pressures intensify, businesses cannot afford to overlook these concepts.

The future of business lies in companies' ability to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The transition may not be easy, but the benefits are clear. It's time for business leaders to embrace ESG, sustainability, and green computing, not just as a 'nice-to-have' but as a strategic necessity in today's business world.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

In an era where corporate responsibility, environmental sustainability, and social impact are non-negotiable, ESG programs are no longer a luxury but obligatory. Ignoring the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance can invite a myriad of risks - reputational, regulatory, investment, operational, competitive, market access, long-term sustainability, and employee attraction and retention risk.

Reputational Risk: In an era where consumers are increasingly aware of and concerned about sustainability issues, businesses that do not prioritize ESG may suffer reputational damage, directly impacting customer loyalty and sales.
Regulatory Risk: Governments worldwide are tightening environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance regulations. Companies not adhering to these rules risk legal sanctions, fines, and increased scrutiny.
Investment Risk: Investors increasingly consider ESG factors in their investment decisions. Companies that do not implement ESG programs may find it more challenging to attract investment, which could limit their growth and financial stability.
Operational Risk: Ignoring ESG principles can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs in the long run. For example, not addressing environmental concerns can result in higher energy costs or waste management expenses.
Competitive Risk: As more businesses incorporate ESG principles, those that do not may be at a competitive disadvantage. ESG programs can lead to innovation, improved efficiency, and a stronger brand - all of which can give a company a competitive edge.
Market Access Risk: Some markets, customers, and partners now demand ESG compliance as a condition of doing business. Companies not embracing ESG could be excluded from such opportunities.
Long-term Sustainability Risk: ESG programs often align with the long-term sustainability of a company. Ignoring these factors could jeopardize a company's long-term viability, as resources could become scarcer, regulatory pressures could increase, and consumer preferences could shift towards sustainable products and services.
Employee Attraction and Retention Risk: ESG programs often contribute to a positive company culture and are increasingly important to current and prospective employees. Companies that do not prioritize ESG may struggle to attract and retain top talent.

Implementing ESG programs is not only a strategic move to mitigate the risks mentioned above but also a wise investment in the future. ESG principles encourage businesses to look beyond immediate profits, fostering sustainable growth, innovative thinking, operational efficiency, and long-term success. It's a journey of transforming challenges into opportunities and embedding sustainable practices into the DNA of a business, ultimately securing a thriving future in a rapidly changing world. Applying ESG principles is not just about being a better corporate citizen but also a better business.

Post Script: ESG, Green Computing, and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all developed and developing countries in a global partnership.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria align closely with these SDGs, making ESG a robust framework for businesses seeking to contribute to the 2030 Agenda. Green computing also contributes to several of the SDGs set out by the UN in the following ways:

Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): Green computing can contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the energy consumption of IT systems. This could involve using energy-efficient hardware, optimizing software to use less processing power, or implementing server virtualization.
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Green computing promotes innovation in IT infrastructure. This can include the development of energy-efficient data centers, using renewable energy sources for IT operations, and creating new, more energy-efficient technologies and systems.
Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Green computing supports sustainable management and efficient use of resources in the IT sector. This could involve extending the life of IT equipment, promoting recycling and safe disposal of electronic waste, and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly materials in IT manufacturing.
Climate Action (SDG 13): By reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with IT systems, green computing can contribute to efforts to combat climate change.
Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Life on Land (SDG 15): By promoting the safe disposal and recycling of electronic waste, green computing can help reduce pollution and protect ecosystems on land and in the oceans.

It's worth noting that while green computing can play a significant role in advancing these SDGs, achieving these goals will require a comprehensive and integrated approach involving action across a wide range of sectors and issues. Green computing should be part of a broader commitment to sustainability that includes social, economic, and other environmental considerations.

*Assisted by GAI and LLM Technologies

Article References

The 17 goals | sustainable development (no date) United Nations. United Nations. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals (Accessed: May 5, 2023).
McCalla-Leacy, J., Shulman, J. and Threlfall, R. (no date) Big shifts, small steps, KPMG. Available at: https://kpmg.com/xx/en/home/insights/2022/09/survey-of-sustainability-reporting-2022.html (Accessed: May 5, 2023).
Pérez, L. et al. (2022) Does ESG really matter-and why?, McKinsey & Company. McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/sustainability/our-insights/does-esg-really-matter-and-why (Accessed: May 5, 2023).
Pérez, L. et al. (2022) How to make ESG real, McKinsey & Company. McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/sustainability/our-insights/how-to-make-esg-real (Accessed: May 5, 2023).
Robinson, R. (2023) A Greener Ediscovery? exploring sustainability in software development, ComplexDiscovery. Available at: https://complexdiscovery.com/a-greener-ediscovery-exploring-sustainability-in-software-development/ (Accessed: May 5, 2023).
Saine, T. and Williams, T. (2020) What is a green field sales strategy?, Strategic Dynamics. Available at: https://strategicdynamicsfirm.com/what-is-a-green-field-sales-strategy/ (Accessed: May 5, 2023).
Sustainability in software development (no date) X-Road Academy - Sustainability in Software Development. Nordic Institute for Interoperability Solutions (NIIS). Available at: https://x-road.thinkific.com/courses/sustainability-in-software-development (Accessed: May 5, 2023).

Additional Reading

Source: ComplexDiscovery

Contact us today to submit recommendations for consideration and inclusion in ComplexDiscovery's data and legal discovery-centric service, product, or research announcements.

Industry Backgrounder

The Green Equation: How ESG and Green Computing May Boost the eDiscovery Bottom Line

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Defining and Describing ESG

Environmental factors concern a company's environmental impact and role in climate change. They include things like energy use, waste management, pollution, natural resource conservation, and treatment of animals.
Social factors look at how a company manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities in which it operates. They can include worker health and safety, labor rights, diversity and inclusion, customer satisfaction, data protection and privacy, and community development.
Governance factors involve a company's leadership, executive pay, audits, internal controls, and shareholder rights. They can also include issues such as corruption, political lobbying, and legal compliance.

Risk Management: ESG factors can help identify and manage risks that are not immediately apparent through traditional financial analysis. For example, companies with strong environmental practices may be less exposed to a major environmental incident's financial and reputational damage.
Investor Interest: There is growing demand from investors for companies to demonstrate strong ESG performance. Investors increasingly recognize that ESG factors can significantly impact a company's financial performance and long-term viability.
Regulatory Compliance: Governments worldwide are introducing regulations requiring companies to disclose their ESG performance. Proactive companies in this area will likely be better prepared to meet these requirements.
Operational Efficiency: Many ESG factors, such as energy efficiency or waste reduction, can also help improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
Reputation and Brand Value: Companies that perform well on ESG measures can enhance their reputation, increase customer loyalty, and potentially command a price premium for their products or services.
Employee Engagement: Companies with strong ESG credentials often find attracting and retaining top talent easier, leading to greater productivity and innovation.

Addressing and Assessing Green Computing

Competitive Advantage

Driving Innovation

Ensuring Compliance

Enhancing Brand Reputation

Long-term Business Success

From Green Coding to Green Resource Management

The Green Software Development Life Cycle

Measurement and Improvement

ESG, Sustainability, and Green Computing: Impact Beyond the Environment

Addressing Objections to ESG and Green Computing

The Future of Business: ESG and Green Computing

The Cost of Doing Nothing

Reputational Risk: In an era where consumers are increasingly aware of and concerned about sustainability issues, businesses that do not prioritize ESG may suffer reputational damage, directly impacting customer loyalty and sales.
Regulatory Risk: Governments worldwide are tightening environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance regulations. Companies not adhering to these rules risk legal sanctions, fines, and increased scrutiny.
Investment Risk: Investors increasingly consider ESG factors in their investment decisions. Companies that do not implement ESG programs may find it more challenging to attract investment, which could limit their growth and financial stability.
Operational Risk: Ignoring ESG principles can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs in the long run. For example, not addressing environmental concerns can result in higher energy costs or waste management expenses.
Competitive Risk: As more businesses incorporate ESG principles, those that do not may be at a competitive disadvantage. ESG programs can lead to innovation, improved efficiency, and a stronger brand - all of which can give a company a competitive edge.
Market Access Risk: Some markets, customers, and partners now demand ESG compliance as a condition of doing business. Companies not embracing ESG could be excluded from such opportunities.
Long-term Sustainability Risk: ESG programs often align with the long-term sustainability of a company. Ignoring these factors could jeopardize a company's long-term viability, as resources could become scarcer, regulatory pressures could increase, and consumer preferences could shift towards sustainable products and services.
Employee Attraction and Retention Risk: ESG programs often contribute to a positive company culture and are increasingly important to current and prospective employees. Companies that do not prioritize ESG may struggle to attract and retain top talent.

Post Script: ESG, Green Computing, and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): Green computing can contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the energy consumption of IT systems. This could involve using energy-efficient hardware, optimizing software to use less processing power, or implementing server virtualization.
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Green computing promotes innovation in IT infrastructure. This can include the development of energy-efficient data centers, using renewable energy sources for IT operations, and creating new, more energy-efficient technologies and systems.
Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Green computing supports sustainable management and efficient use of resources in the IT sector. This could involve extending the life of IT equipment, promoting recycling and safe disposal of electronic waste, and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly materials in IT manufacturing.
Climate Action (SDG 13): By reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with IT systems, green computing can contribute to efforts to combat climate change.
Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Life on Land (SDG 15): By promoting the safe disposal and recycling of electronic waste, green computing can help reduce pollution and protect ecosystems on land and in the oceans.

*Assisted by GAI and LLM Technologies

Article References

The 17 goals | sustainable development (no date) United Nations. United Nations. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals (Accessed: May 5, 2023).
McCalla-Leacy, J., Shulman, J. and Threlfall, R. (no date) Big shifts, small steps, KPMG. Available at: https://kpmg.com/xx/en/home/insights/2022/09/survey-of-sustainability-reporting-2022.html (Accessed: May 5, 2023).
Pérez, L. et al. (2022) Does ESG really matter-and why?, McKinsey & Company. McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/sustainability/our-insights/does-esg-really-matter-and-why (Accessed: May 5, 2023).
Pérez, L. et al. (2022) How to make ESG real, McKinsey & Company. McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/sustainability/our-insights/how-to-make-esg-real (Accessed: May 5, 2023).
Robinson, R. (2023) A Greener Ediscovery? exploring sustainability in software development, ComplexDiscovery. Available at: https://complexdiscovery.com/a-greener-ediscovery-exploring-sustainability-in-software-development/ (Accessed: May 5, 2023).
Saine, T. and Williams, T. (2020) What is a green field sales strategy?, Strategic Dynamics. Available at: https://strategicdynamicsfirm.com/what-is-a-green-field-sales-strategy/ (Accessed: May 5, 2023).
Sustainability in software development (no date) X-Road Academy - Sustainability in Software Development. Nordic Institute for Interoperability Solutions (NIIS). Available at: https://x-road.thinkific.com/courses/sustainability-in-software-development (Accessed: May 5, 2023).

Additional Reading

Source: ComplexDiscovery

The Green Equation: How ESG and Green Computing May Boost the eDiscovery Bottom Line

In today’s business landscape, ESG, sustainability, and green computing are no longer optional – they are essential. The businesses that embrace these concepts will be well-positioned to thrive in a rapidly changing, globally connected world while contributing positively to the society and environment in which they operate. The challenge is significant, but the benefits – for businesses, their stakeholders, and the planet – make pursuing these goals a clear business imperative. Read More about “The Green Equation: How ESG and Green Computing May Boost the eDiscovery Bottom Line”…

The Workstream of eDiscovery: Considering Processes and Tasks

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From LexisNexis to Nextpoint and from acquisitions to investments, the abridged listing of eDiscovery merger, acquisition, and investment (M&A+I) events seeks to consolidate and highlight key eDiscovery-related investment events and corresponding event dates, company involvement, and known event investment amounts.
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