May 22, 2023

ediscovery best practices data migration

As with switching horses midstream, transitioning eDiscovery software while a project is underway is tricky. As tools continue to evolve, it is increasingly common for law firms to need to migrate platforms. Often, doing so requires converting data from formats compatible with the current platform to those compatible with the new one. This critical step frequently proves daunting, especially for those with little experience in the field.

Almost always, a migration involves three particular load file formats: Microsoft DB (MDB), DAT, and OPT. Nuix Discover (Ringtail) natively supports the MDB format, but Relativity does not, so Nuix Discover -to-Relativity transitions (which more commonly occur in Australia than the US) require converting MDB files to the Relativity-compliant DAT and OPT formats. Critical issues inevitably arise in MDB-to-DAT/OPT load file conversions. These include ensuring accurate field mapping, handling special characters, contending with differing date formats, and maintaining data integrity. Success requires extensive familiarity with and a deep understanding of all three formats.

Moreover, the complexities demand extreme attention to detail. At every step lurk multiple possibilities for unforced errors that delay matters and raise a project’s cost. A go-it-alone approach is unwise for any organisation that lacks extensive experience, robust knowledge, and sufficient know-how.

Based on handling dozens of migrations involving myriad technology, my Elevate colleagues and I know the critical importance of two factors (neither being cost) when selecting a service provider. Rather than you learning them the hard way, they are a service provider’s processes and their ability to address your project’s particularities:

Process. Your service provider’s approach determines speed, cost, and accuracy. Seek out a partner with a streamlined approach to data conversion optimised through continuous improvement incorporating decades of collective experience.

Customisation. When migrating eDiscovery platforms, one size does not fit all. You should pick a service provider adept at creating custom scripts and workflows that address the unique requirements of a given migration. A service provider who can tailor things to your specific needs leads to a smooth, speedy, and seamless transition. Conversely, working with a service provider without that ability will degrade conversion quality, drag things out, and drive higher costs.

Elevate’s experience converting MDB load files to Relativity-compliant ones has proven invaluable to customers. By leveraging our team expertise and custom workflows, we make the transition process easy and seamless and minimise the risk of data loss or corruption. If you are looking to migrate to Relativity – especially if you received MDB load files that require conversion – we encourage you to reach out to us at Elevate to ensure a smooth and successful transition.