2009 Predictions From Across the Blogosphere
It wouldn't be a new year without predictions popping up all over the blogosphere. I've made a number myself in previous years. This time around, I thought I'd share those that caught my attention and got stuck in my "filter" if you will.
Regardless of those that may amount to nothing more than either wishful thinking or pessimism, it's illuminating to read and keep them in mind as we move forward into the fresh year. Without further ado:
1. Sonya Sigler (Guest blogger at Ralph Losey's e-Discovery Team blog): 2009 Predictions and Trends
GC Sonya Sigler covers such compelling issues as cooperation, controlling costs, and competence, and along the way discusses effective information management and using technology to your advantage. Well written and worthy of inclusion on Ralph's inestimable blog.
2. Tom O'Connor (docNative Paradigm Blog): 2009 Predictions
Litigation technology veteran Tom O'Connor discussses the prospects of eDiscovery vendors and consultants in light of the economy and other factors.
3. Tom Asacker (a clear eye): Nine Predictions for 2009
Tom Asacker (author, speaker, provocateur, and marketing guru) doesn't post about legal or technology issues. Instead, he provides a motivational kick in the seat of the pants that should jolt every business leader out of their current doldrums and into action: "The reality of the coming year is that the precipitous decline in the economy will create a collective pause; a 'space' of epic proportions for organizations and individuals. Yes, it will be unpleasant for many. But it will also be an opportunity in disguise for those willing to seize the moment."
4. Clearwell: 2009 Electronic Discovery Forecast
An EDD vendor shares its Top 10 Electronic Discovery Predictions for 2009. Caveat: While I enjoy reading Clearwell's e-discovery 2.0 blog, I think several of the items in this particular list are slanted toward selling their particular offerings. So you may want to keep this in mind as you read and decide for yourself. For example, I disagree that the newly enacted FRE Rule 502 will rise to the level of the desired panacea for automated review. Professional care and competence (both legal and technological) will remain under the microscope. However, I agree that being able to "show your work" is not only important, but will provide increasing advantages over time.
5. The CMS Watch Analyst Team: Technology Predictions for 2009
Predictions about the intersection of eDiscovery, compliance, and technology would be incomplete without a discussion of the content management market. Perhaps my favorite prediction from this article: "Taxonomies are dead. Long live metadata!" Anyone who's ever worked with a content management system (DMS in legal circles) knows that people do not, and will never, categorize things in the same way. So don't fight it. Use the data's own unique characteristics to make it accessible and useful. Also look for an interesting nugget on social computing's near-term future and splintered progress in the enterprise at prediction #9, as well as some interesting comments explaining a new emphasis on application search at #8.
And there you have it - a wide range of predictions sure to make us think about trends and priorities over this coming year.