Relativity, a long-standing key player in e-discovery software, has declared a definitive shift from its traditional on-premises Relativity Server product to its cloud-based platform, RelativityOne. By January 1, 2028, the company will mandate that all new legal matters be initiated and managed within RelativityOne. This announcement marks a significant pivot, aligning with the prevailing trend of cloud adoption in legal technology.
While this decision was perhaps foreseeable since the launch of RelativityOne in 2017, the transition reflects a broader industry shift towards models that leverage the enhanced scalability, performance, and security of cloud computing. Already, over 75 percent of Relativity’s business operations have transitioned to its cloud offering, indicating substantial market acceptance. Despite the push, existing matters on the Relativity Server, initiated before December 31, 2027, will continue to receive support, as noted in a blog post from Relativity’s CEO Phil Saunders.
The move comes with structured support systems for firms yet to transition. Relativity has launched a transition support program, offering financial incentives, migration assistance, and test environments to ease the shift for its clients. Furthermore, dedicated channels, such as the email cloudjourney@relativity.com, have been set up to facilitate client inquiries concerning the transition.
Despite the reservations some firms may have due to data security concerns associated with cloud services, Saunders emphasizes that cloud-native solutions surpass on-premises capabilities in accommodating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and handling large data volumes. This technological edge is epitomized by the Relativity aiR platform, which has seen considerable early adoption.
The strategic move also dovetails with Relativity’s wider ambitions, particularly their Legal Data Intelligence initiative. The initiative aims to establish standardized workflows across the industry, fostering a cohesive approach to legal technology.
While this decision does not spell the overnight end of the Relativity Server, it signifies the diminishing role of traditional on-premises solutions in Relativity’s future. As the company steers towards a cloud-centric business model, it positions itself—and its clients—at the forefront of the digital evolution reshaping the legal landscape. For more details on this transition, you can read the full article on LawNext.