In February 2025, Microsoft introduced a unified eDiscovery experience within the Purview portal, marking a significant evolution in its compliance and legal discovery tools. This modernization aims to streamline eDiscovery workflows, offering a centralized platform that integrates both standard and premium features.
Key Changes and Enhancements
The transition to Purview eDiscovery brings several notable updates:
- Unified Interface: The new experience consolidates Content Search, eDiscovery (Standard), and eDiscovery (Premium) into a single, cohesive interface. This integration simplifies case management, allowing administrators to select features that best suit individual cases without being confined to predefined tiers. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
- Enhanced Search Capabilities: The search functionality has been redesigned to include expanded conditions, such as natural language queries, provided the appropriate licensing is in place. This enhancement facilitates more intuitive and efficient data retrieval. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
- Improved Hold Management: The updated Hold Policy interface enables the creation of preservation holds across various data sources, including Exchange mailboxes, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams. Custodial data sources are automatically detected, streamlining the process of adding relevant custodians and locations. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
- Revamped Export Options: Export functionalities have been unified, offering customizable settings such as organizing chat messages into HTML transcripts and selecting specific versions of SharePoint/OneDrive documents. These options ensure that exported data aligns with organizational requirements. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
In conjunction with the rollout of Purview eDiscovery, Microsoft announced the retirement of several legacy tools:
- Content Search and eDiscovery (Standard): Initially slated for deprecation in August 2025, the retirement date was advanced to May 26, 2025. Organizations are encouraged to transition to the new unified experience to maintain continuity in their eDiscovery processes. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
- Export PowerShell Cmdlet Parameters: Specific parameters related to export automation in Standard eDiscovery were deprecated on May 26, 2025. Administrators should review and update any scripts or integrations that rely on these cmdlets to ensure compatibility with the new system. (techcommunity.microsoft.com)
The shift to Purview eDiscovery necessitates proactive steps from organizations:
- Workflow Testing: It's crucial to test end-to-end workflows within the new system to identify and address any discrepancies. This includes verifying that export outputs meet existing standards and ensuring that all integrations function as intended.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration between legal, IT, and compliance teams is essential to facilitate a smooth transition. Regular communication and training sessions can help stakeholders adapt to the new interface and features.
- Documentation Updates: Organizations should update internal documentation to reflect the changes in eDiscovery processes, ensuring that all users have access to accurate and current information.
Microsoft's introduction of Purview eDiscovery represents a significant advancement in legal and compliance tools, offering a more integrated and efficient platform. By understanding the key changes and taking proactive measures, organizations can effectively navigate this transition and leverage the enhanced capabilities of the new system.
Source: JD Supra Microsoft 365 eDiscovery Updates | JD Supra
