Fios Expands e-Discovery Services to Include Native Processing of Mbox File Formats, Including Gmail and Google Chat Files

Business Wire,  June 25, 2008  

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Expansion of Data Processing Capabilities Reduces Risk of Losing Critical Data and Speeds Up Processing Time

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Fios([R]) Inc., the only full-service provider that focuses exclusively on the complex and rapidly evolving realm of e-discovery, today announced it has expanded its data management services to include the native processing of popular mbox file formats, including Gmail and Google Chat files. Fios can now natively process electronically stored information (ESI) created in these formats without requiring prior conversion to the more common Microsoft Outlook PST format. This new capability, driven by market and client demand, dramatically reduces the risk of losing or modifying critical ESI during discovery.

"Mbox has been a widely used format for storing e-mail since the 1990's and continues to be the storage format of choice for many corporations," said Belinda Runkle, director of development for Fios. "The challenge is that mbox is a rather generic, text-based format that can accommodate a variety of implementations for storing e-mail. This variability has proven to be a pain point for corporations facing litigation, as not all mbox file formats are the same. Fios now makes it much easier to identify and match the many mbox patterns that are in use in today's enterprises."

According to Runkle, mbox is most common in corporations using Unix- and Apple Macintosh-based e-mail systems. However, many organizations using Windows e-mail clients also choose the mbox storage format. With the new mbox data processing capabilities, Fios' clients benefit from:

* Increased accuracy - Most providers require that mbox files be converted to a PST format prior to processing, increasing the risk that e-mail chains, metadata and associated attachments will be lost in the conversion process. Fios' ability to process mbox files natively mitigates this risk.

* Faster processing time - By eliminating the conversion step from mbox to PST, Fios has dramatically decreased the time it takes to process the files and prepare them for review by the legal team.

* Greater flexibility - Fios pattern-matching technology automatically identifies the mbox patterns that are in use within an organization and can be easily updated when new patterns are found during discovery.

The addition of mbox processing showcases Fios' ability to identify the ever-broadening range of file types encountered during discovery. Fios leverages advanced signaturing technologies and leads the market in the processing of files in their native format, including Lotus Notes and Eudora.

"e-Discovery is managed by people, process and technology," add Runkle. "We take every precaution to ensure that the files sent to us are accurately identified during the processing stage. Relying on file extensions is not dependable because they can be intentionally or inadvertently changed by a user. The ability to process mbox files in their native format is yet another example of Fios' commitment to helping clients reduce the risks and costs associated with e-discovery."

The new data processing service is now available as part of the comprehensive discovery management services delivered by Fios. For more information, visit the company's website at www.fiosinc.com.

About Fios, Inc.

For over a decade, Fios has helped leading corporations and their law firms reduce risk and cost as they gain management control over the e-discovery business process. Fios is the only provider dedicated entirely to delivering comprehensive discovery management services and expert guidance based on an integrated, in-depth knowledge of IT and legal processes. Headquartered in Portland, Ore., Fios is backed by top investors, including 3i, Digital Partners, Banyan Capital Partners, FBR CoMotion and Fluke Venture Partners, and has offices throughout the continental United States. For more information about the company and its services, visit http://www.fiosinc.com.

Fios and Fios products are trademarks of Fios Inc. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

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