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GeorgeJon’s Guide to Relativity Server 2021

How early-release vetting and knowledge gain will shorten the final certification schedule.

GeorgeJon is committed to keeping clients abreast of material changes affecting eDiscovery platforms and the industry at large. As such, this article discusses internal research conducted on the forthcoming Relativity Server 2021, which we expect to be released on Wednesday, March 24th.

The GeorgeJon Application Testing team has installed an early release of Relativity Server 2021 in the GJ Lab, prior to the official release of Relativity Server 2021 (please note that we will not officially certify Server 2021 until the final release of the software is rolled out and thoroughly tested). This process can take anywhere from two weeks to a month, depending upon ease of operational integration. GJ’s Application Testing team anticipates that our early release vetting and knowledge gain will shorten the final release certification process and schedule. Once the requisite benchmark testing concludes and is approved by GJ’s Architecture Review Board, client organizations will be notified.

AN ABRIDGED GUIDE TO RELATIVITY SERVER 2021

Relativity Server 2021 is limiting dtSearch workers to four (4) per agent server, not four (4) per environment.

  • dtSearch workers are utilized to create dtSearch indexes for advanced searches. The Relativity Infrastructure team found that this reduces the number of issues experienced with past versions of Relativity Server. 
  • Most GJ-supported configurations have two to eight-plus workers on each agent server. As such, this could require additional VMs for the new roles, depending on your current agent configuration. Contact your dedicated GeorgeJon representative to determine if you need supplemental resources to accommodate additional virtual machines.

Relativity Server 2021 supports only Windows Server 2016 and 2019 operating systems on Worker and RabbitMQ Servers. 

  • All other servers and virtual machines can have Windows Server 2012 R2 as their operating system; however, GJ recommends that servers run Windows Server 2016 for all servers.

SQL 2017 or greater is required for Relativity Server 2021. 

  • SQL server is the database software used by Relativity Server.
  • Previous version of Relativity (version 10.3) required SQL Server version 2014 or greater.
  • Please note that this will require a SQL upgrade and, in some instances, a new SQL Server with an EDDS migration to accommodate the Relativity Server 2021 upgrade.  

Office 2016 Professional is recommended on the Relativity Imaging and Processing Workers. 

  • Relativity Imaging and Processing Workers use Microsoft Office to prepare data for importing into Relativity.
  • Please note that the Microsoft Works Converter is still required for Relativity Server 2021. The download is no longer available on the Microsoft site, but you can download the file via the Relativity Community Site.  

Document Conversion now has the option to create individual agents for multiple types of conversions, enabling flexible prioritization of Document Conversion tasks.

  • On the fly (heightened, on-demand conversions)  
  • Convert ahead (preemptively scheduled conversions) 
  • Mass convert (prioritized document sets for conversions) 
  • Please note that this process may require additional VMs for the new roles, depending on your current agent configuration. Contact your dedicated George Jon representative to determine if you need supplemental resources to accommodate additional virtual machines.

New PDF application replaces the legacy “Save as PDF” function on Imaging Workers. 

  • In previous versions, PDF files were created by the imaging workers. In Server 2021, an agent has been created for the purpose of saving documents as PDFs.
  • The new app allows multiple PDF jobs to run by adding agents without the need for additional imaging workers (which would require Microsoft Office licenses). 
  • Please note that this feature may require additional VMs for the new roles, depending on your current agent configuration. Contact your dedicated GeorgeJon representative to determine if you need supplemental resources to accommodate additional virtual machines.

Please contact your dedicated GeorgeJon representative to discuss details, schedule your next Relativity upgrade, and for any additional information related to this announcement.

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Nico Van der Beken

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Former Big 4 Partner and renowned forensics expert Nico Van der Beken is a key member of our Advisory Board. Following a distinguished career assisting major law firms and corporations involved in criminal, civil, regulatory, and internal investigations as a partner at KPMG Switzerland, Nico today provides advisory services to global eDiscovery businesses. Employing his specialized knowledge in Investigations, Intelligence, Diligence, Digital Forensics, Cryptocurrency Forensics, Data Analytics, eDiscovery, and Cyber Response, Nico provides expert insights into the European market and steers strategic growth for GeorgeJon.

In an industry where knowledge is power and experience begets performance and profitability, GeorgeJon is constantly absorbing and documenting real-world solutions to proactively improve client systems. Tapping the knowledge of a 25-year industry veteran augments this knowledge base with a client-side focus and market-specific insights. A leader of Forensic Technology teams at PwC, Deloitte and KPMG, and a co-founder of the Swiss office for Stroz Friedberg, Nico aligns GeorgeJon’s proven solutions with client expectations and needs.

Nico is also the co-founder of Undecom, the first global internet search platform specifically designed to congregate investigators, forensic experts, detectives, intelligence professionals, security experts, and customers from all over the world. He holds an Executive MBA in Technology Management from the Université de Fribourg and a Master of Science in Industrial Sciences from Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen.

Amy Mejia

SENIOR DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES

Amy Mejia has spent her career enhancing people operations and leading strategic HR initiatives for growing companies across a wide range of industries. She develops and evolves GeorgeJon’s HR processes and programs on a daily basis, including talent management and development, employee engagement, compensation/benefits, and much more. She is perpetually focused on helping GeorgeJon achieve ever-evolving goals by optimizing company-wide productivity and satisfaction.

Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Northeastern Illinois University, a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification from the HR Certification Institute, and is a Society for HR Management (SHRM) Certified Professional (CP). She is a Chicago native and mother of two young boys.

Kaya Kowalczyk

SENIOR DIRECTOR, MARKETING

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During Kaya’s 18 years at GeorgeJon, she has excelled at myriad technical and business roles, developing a comprehensive understanding of GJ’s operating model while implementing programs that nurture the sustainable growth and healthy maturation of the organization. 

Reynolds Broker

CHIEF OF STAFF

Reynolds is the primary advisor, spokesperson, and tactical right hand for the Executive Team (Founder, COO, CTO). As an innovative strategist, consultant, and implementer, he spearheads the successful execution of mission-critical projects and strategic initiatives across the organization, specializing in organizational alignment, business operations governance, and marketing/communications management. His diverse professional and educational experience is rooted in the technology, corporate finance, and government affairs sectors.

Reynolds holds an International MBA in Corporate Finance and Spanish from the University of South Carolina and a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the University of Georgia.

Darrin Hernandez, CPA

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE

Darrin Hernandez is the Vice President of Finance for GeorgeJon, responsible for ensuring corporate financial vitality, including accounting strategy, cash flow, reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and legal/insurance/tax compliance. Possessing a unique background that meshes accounting & finance expertise and executive management with emerging technology initiatives, Darrin is uniquely qualified to bring stability and foresight to GeorgeJon’s financial endeavors.

Over the course of his twenty-year career in corporate finance and accounting, Darrin has established himself as an authority in tech-enabled services and SaaS businesses. Prior experience in the cyber-security, bookings management as an online marketplace, and digital transformation consulting spaces provided invaluable insights for anticipating and adjusting to the ever-changing landscape that permeates the tech industry. Being nimble, adaptable, and prepared is necessary to deliver stability for fast-growing companies, and Darrin is the man with the plan.

Darrin has a B.S. in Accounting from Northern Illinois University and is a Certified Public Accountant. He lives in Chicago with his wife and two kids.

Allison Jessee

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Allison Jessee is the Chief Revenue Officer at GeorgeJon. With 20+ years of experience in sales, account management, and customer success, Allison has demonstrated a profound commitment to driving growth and success for both GeorgeJon and its customers. She delivers deep industry knowledge, strategic vision, and an endless passion for innovation to guide customers through the complexities of data ecosystems while future-proofing operations.

Allison’s expertise in sales automation, strategy and sales execution, and customer relationship management makes her the ideal leader to guide GeorgeJon’s revenue growth.

Formerly Vice President of Customer Success at GeorgeJon, Allison led a team of customer success managers dedicated to optimizing eDiscovery ecosystems and data management solutions for some of the world’s leading law firms and corporations. Her collaborative approach with the sales, marketing, and tech teams has been instrumental in developing and executing strategies that have increased customer retention and satisfaction.

Prior to her tenure at GeorgeJon, Allison was the Vice President of Customer Success and Account Management at UPSTACK, where she played a pivotal role in launching and scaling a cloud-based platform for IT infrastructure services. Her experience also includes serving as the Director of Client Engagement at HBR Consulting, where she managed a diverse portfolio of clients in the legal industry and delivered strategic and operational solutions for Data Center, Network, and eDiscovery Hosting.

Ryan Merholz

VICE PRESIDENT, ENGINEERING

Ryan Merholz is the Vice President of Engineering at GeorgeJon. An experienced eDiscovery industry veteran, Ryan oversees our support, professional services, and security programs to ensure world-class customer experiences for our global client base.

Ryan’s service acumen and technical expertise was honed over 15+ years in the eDiscovery realm at Relativity, where he built and led customer support/success, program management and consulting teams. He led the transition of Relativity’s support organization to the cloud and evolved their approach to customer success management for service providers. He is also a passionate advocate for workplace inclusion, diversity and belonging.

Ryan has a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Ohio Northern University and lives in the Chicago suburbs with his family. When not working, Ryan enjoys going to the theater, trying new restaurants, and walking his dogs.

Tom Matarelli

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

Tom Matarelli is the Chief Sales Officer at GeorgeJon. A proven eDiscovery innovator, thought leader, and community contributor, Tom’s leadership skills, global perspective and technical expertise provide deep knowledge to our global customer base. He brings 15+ years of experience in Governance Risk Compliance and Legal Technology to the GJ Leadership Team. 

Tom has held leadership roles at multiple eDiscovery technology providers, including Relativity, Vertical Discovery / Ligl, and Reveal. Starting his career as a CPA, Tom quickly moved into forensic accounting and investigations, eventually focusing on forensic technology for eDiscovery. He migrated this knowledge base to the software market, joining Relativity to build and lead their global advisory practice. He has helped law firms and corporations adopt AI-based workflows for eDiscovery, investigations, audits, and corporate compliance.

Tom holds a BA in Accounting and Marketing from Western Illinois University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is active in the local community, mentoring Chicago Public School students and coaching little league baseball.

George Orr

COO / CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

George Orr is a transformational leader who informs and drives the day-to-day operations of GeorgeJon. Working in close partnership with George Nedwick, CEO, he strategizes and implements both daily and long-term initiatives for the business.

Orr held multiple executive roles at Relativity, leading customer teams focused on support, professional services, customer success, and the growth of the certified professional community throughout his tenure. Orr was an original member of the Relativity “go-to-market team” in 2007, and helped grow the company in revenue and employees (5-1500). Orr brings his operational expertise and understanding of the eDiscovery customer landscape to the GeorgeJon team.

When not in the office, George can usually be found at a Pearl Jam concert or taking on new adventures with his family.

George Nedwick

CEO / FOUNDER

George Nedwick is the founder, owner, and principal architect of GeorgeJon (GJ). Under George’s leadership, the company has grown from an IT startup to an internationally acclaimed industry leader serving a global client base.

George is a world-class systems architect who has spent fifteen years perfecting a performant, scalable, modular eDiscovery framework that can be replicated and managed on a universal scale. Recognizing a deficiency in technical expertise, storage capabilities, and cost-effective oversight within the eDiscovery industry, George methodically built a team to address this challenge. This includes forging partnerships with hardware manufacturers (Dell), software providers, and leading industry software providers to develop best practice methodologies for optimized infrastructure, specifically designed to meet the demanding needs of eDiscovery users.

George has developed clients in multiple vertical markets, including multinational corporations, leading law firms, government agencies, consulting firms, and premium service providers. He has proven expertise in working with sensitive/classified data and is well versed in navigating complex international data export laws. George has also moved the firm into creation and delivery of proprietary hardware, specifically monitoring appliances that can be placed at client sites to allow for remote access and 24/7 monitoring of all infrastructure components.