The typical implementation process for ZDiscovery software involves several key steps designed to ensure a smooth transition and effective use of the platform. Here’s an overview:
Initial Consultation and Planning: This phase involves understanding the specific needs of the organization, defining the scope of the project, and setting clear objectives. Stakeholders and domain experts from the client’s side collaborate with Zapproved’s implementation team to outline the requirements and expectations.
Configuration and Customization: ZDiscovery is configured to align with the organization’s workflows and processes. This includes setting up legal holds, data preservation protocols, and integration with existing systems like Microsoft Office 365 and Google Vault.
Data Migration: Existing data is migrated to the ZDiscovery platform. This step ensures that all relevant data is preserved and accessible within the new system.
Training and Onboarding: Zapproved provides comprehensive training sessions for the legal team to ensure they are comfortable using the software. This includes hands-on training, user guides, and ongoing support.
Testing and Validation: Before going live, the system undergoes rigorous testing to ensure all functionalities are working as expected. Any issues identified are addressed promptly.
Go-Live and Support: Once the system is validated, it goes live. Zapproved offers ongoing support to address any issues and ensure the system continues to meet the organization’s needs.
The entire implementation process typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the organization’s requirements and the amount of data to be migrated.
Customisation
ZDiscovery is highly customizable to fit specific business needs. Here are some key points:
Integration with Existing Systems: ZDiscovery can integrate with various enterprise applications, including HRIS, Matter Management Systems, and other legal tech ecosystems.
Automated Workflows: The platform allows for the automation of time-consuming tasks such as custodian interviews, legal hold reminders, and data collection.
Custom Reporting: Users can generate customized reports to gain insights and visibility across their matters, helping to track milestones and reduce risks.
Scalability: ZDiscovery is designed to scale with the organization’s needs, making it suitable for both small legal teams and large enterprises.
Security and Compliance: The software includes robust security features and compliance tools to ensure data protection and regulatory adherence.
Additional Costs
The costs associated with ZDiscovery can vary depending on the specific needs and scale of the implementation. Here are some typical costs to consider:
Setup Fees: These may include initial consultation, configuration, and customization of the software to fit your organization’s needs.
Subscription Fees: ZDiscovery operates on a subscription-based model, where users pay an annual fee. This fee typically covers access to the software and basic support.
Maintenance Fees: Ongoing maintenance costs may be included in the subscription fee or charged separately. These fees cover regular updates, bug fixes, and minor upgrades.
Support Charges: While basic support is often included, premium support options may be available at an additional cost. This can include 24/7 support, dedicated account managers, and faster response times.
Training Costs: Initial training sessions might be included in the setup fees, but additional or advanced training sessions could incur extra charges.
Training
ZDiscovery offers comprehensive training and support to ensure users can effectively utilize the platform:
Initial Training: Includes hands-on training sessions, user guides, and webinars to help new users get started with the software.
Ongoing Support: Zapproved provides ongoing support through various channels, including phone, email, and live chat. They also offer a robust online support center with resources and documentation.
Customer Success Team: Zapproved’s Customer Success team is known for its responsiveness and expertise, offering personalized assistance and regular check-ins to ensure users are getting the most out of the software.
Educational Events: Access to educational events, such as webinars and user group meetings, to stay updated on best practices and new features.
Security Measures
ZDiscovery places a strong emphasis on data security, implementing several measures to protect sensitive information:
SOC 2 Type 2 Certification: This certification ensures that ZDiscovery meets high standards for data security, including controls to protect against unauthorized access.
Data Encryption: All data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, ensuring that it remains secure throughout its lifecycle.
Granular Permissions: The software supports granular permissions, allowing access to be limited to only what is necessary for each user.
Regular Audits and Penetration Testing: ZDiscovery undergoes regular third-party audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
In-Place Data Preservation: This feature allows data to be preserved in its original location without being moved, reducing the risk of data breaches during the preservation process.
Updates
ZDiscovery releases updates regularly to ensure the platform remains secure, efficient, and up-to-date with the latest eDiscovery needs. Typically, updates are rolled out quarterly, but critical patches and security updates can be released more frequently as needed1. These updates are managed through a cloud-based delivery system, ensuring that all users receive the latest features and improvements without the need for manual installations. The updates are designed to be seamless, minimizing disruption to ongoing legal processes.
Data Ownership and Portability
Data Ownership
ZDiscovery's policy on data ownership ensures that the organization using the software retains full ownership of its data. This means that the data collected, processed, and stored within the ZDiscovery platform remains the property of the client organization. The platform is designed to respect the data ownership rights of its users, ensuring that they have control over their data at all times.
Data Portability
ZDiscovery supports data portability, allowing users to transfer their data securely and efficiently. This feature is crucial for organizations that may need to move their data to another system or service. The platform provides tools and functionalities to facilitate the export of data in various formats, ensuring that the data can be easily reused or integrated with other systems. This aligns with best practices in data governance and regulatory requirements, such as those outlined in the GDPR, which emphasize the right to data portability.
Scaling Up / Down
ZDiscovery is designed to be highly scalable, accommodating the changing needs of organizations. Here are the key terms for scaling:
Flexible Subscription Plans: Clients can adjust their subscription plans based on their current needs, whether scaling up during periods of high demand or scaling down when less capacity is required.
Resource Allocation: The platform allows for dynamic allocation of resources, ensuring that performance remains optimal regardless of the volume of data being processed.
Support for Growth: As organizations grow, ZDiscovery can integrate with additional systems and expand its capabilities to handle increased data volumes and more complex workflows.
The terms & conditions for contract renewal and cancellation
Contract Renewal:
Automatic Renewal: ZDiscovery contracts typically include an automatic renewal clause, meaning the contract will renew for an additional term unless either party provides notice of non-renewal within a specified period before the end of the current term.
Notice Period: The notice period for non-renewal is usually 30 to 60 days before the contract’s expiration date.
Review and Adjustment: Before renewal, there may be a review period where terms and pricing can be adjusted based on usage and any changes in service requirements.
Contract Cancellation:
Termination for Convenience: Clients may have the option to terminate the contract for convenience, typically requiring a notice period and possibly incurring a termination fee.
Termination for Cause: Either party can terminate the contract for cause if there is a material breach of the terms. The breaching party is usually given a period to cure the breach before termination is finalized.
Refunds and Penalties: Depending on the terms, there may be provisions for refunds of prepaid fees or penalties for early termination.
Compliance
ZDiscovery meets several key compliance standards to ensure data security and regulatory adherence:
SOC 2 Type 2 Certification: This certification demonstrates that ZDiscovery has implemented effective controls to protect data security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
ISO 27001: ZDiscovery is compliant with ISO 27001, an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS), ensuring robust data protection measures.
GDPR Compliance: The platform adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring that the personal data of EU citizens is handled in compliance with stringent privacy and security standards.
HIPAA Compliance: For clients in the healthcare sector, ZDiscovery complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), ensuring the protection of sensitive health information.
FedRAMP Authorization: ZDiscovery is authorized under the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), which standardizes security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by U.S. federal agencies.