Litigation Support

The new Summation iBlaze and its companions in the LG series of faster 32-bit programs are a significantly advanced generation of litigation support tools providing enhanced and flexible desktop layouts, evidence-linking, imaging and other powerful tools for searching, organizing and assimilating evidence in litigation cases. Summation iBlaze reaches out and goes a bit further by incorporating online databases.

The program combines the LG functions with a new concept in online and offline technology for accessing and searching case information — using third-party online repositories such as CaseVault Inc., a Summation subsidiary.

With iBlaze, information can be transmitted safely online to and from secure electronic document repositories. IBlaze has a “Briefcase” function, which allows users to work offline on a database. The attorney can work on a plane, at the beach or even at the courthouse.

Instead of relying on staff to produce reports, the trial attorney using Summation could swiftly marshal information electronically while learning the case and evolving issues and linkages of facts. The Summation recipe is simple: Take one program; add plain text or ASCII copies of transcripts and documents to it; mix in issues and margin notes; search, organize and annotate; and then print out reports and information for trial notes and aids.

The new Blaze LG family of programs also will exchange information with the previous versions.

Summation iBlaze and the other LG programs have a new look and feel, but you can choose the familiar old “filing cabinet” desktop, which is one of three built-in layout options. Custom layouts now can be built as well.

The new default look, called Case Explorer, provides quicker, easier access via a list of all components of a case — a style reminiscent of Microsoft Explorer or Outlook. With one or two clicks, you can search any component for related issues in both a transcript and a document collection or other combination, and project windows can be docked to the right or left, top or bottom, as you assemble your information.

All these improvements come with added cost, for the new software and the equipment you need to run it. In contrast to pre-LG family software, iBlaze requires your PC have at least a 300 MHz processor, but it recommends the processor exceed 500 MHz. Your computer also must have at least 128 MB RAM, but it recommends twice as much — a whopping 256 MB. I was relieved to find that 128 MB strips of DIMM (dual inline memory module) memory costs less than $70. Another demanding requirement is Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 5.5 with Service Pack 1. Although you don’t have to use the Web browser, iBlaze will not install on your system without it.

IBlaze offers litigation support options such as live transcript annotation and search capability, enhanced imaging tools and integrated searches of multiple databases and transcripts.

Even for previous Summation users, there is a significant learning curve necessary to completely master and exploit the new features and concepts. But iBlaze comes with a wealth of well-written support materials in booklets, internal help files and online at www.summation.com.

PC with at least 300 MHz, 128 MB RAM, Windows 98/2000/NT 4.0 with Service Pack 5;
Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 5.5, Service Pack 1.

Price: $2,495

Reviewed by Alan Arfken, an attorney based in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Apr/May '01 Issue

PROS
New graphical interface is easy to use and leads to additional, more sophisticated enhancements in litigation support.

CONS
Expensive. Stiff system requirements. Significant learning curve.

VERDICT
A definite buy for litigators.

  | Home  | 

|  Issue Archive  |  Resources  |  About Us  |  Contact Us  |  Subscribe  |

|  Subscribers  |  Advertisers  |

Updated 09/18/01
© Law Office Computing Magazine
www.lawofficecomputing.com
(800) 394-2626