To help organizations successfully navigate the eDiscovery process, the Electronic Discovery Reference Model or EDRM was created to serve as an overarching framework. It has nine distinct stages. These stages are not always a linear progression from one to the other, but a good eDiscovery process should include all of them. Several of the stages can (and often should) happen at the same time: Information Governance: This is the general strategy any organization should have to mitigate their risks and expenses should eDiscovery be needed—from initial creation of ESI through its final disposition. Identification: Locating potential sources of ESI and determining its scope, breadth, and depth. Preservation and Collection: Ensuring ESI is collected and preserved – protecting against inappropriate or accidental alteration or destruction throughout the remainder of the eDiscovery process. Processing, Review, and Analysis: This stage refers to the analysis of preserved data. Users commonly convert data to suitable forms for review, then reduce the volume of ESI by evaluating its relevance and privilege. Then analysis commonly requires a thorough evaluation of the context of the ESI, including key patterns, topics, people, or discussions. Production: Delivering applicable ESI, articles, and data to others involved in the legal or regulatory proceedings using appropriate methods. Presentation: Displaying of ESI before relevant audiences in native or near-native forms for legal purposes.