Managing content

In most companies, information is scattered everywhere--in databases, in applications used by one or two divisions, in individual documents, and in a variety of spreadsheets. The sheer amount of content streaming through midmarket firms is creating a need for managing it, and enterprise content management (ECM) is one way to do that. Not only does an ECM system help facilitate content reuse and sharing among department, but it has implications for compliance, legal discovery and cost savings. But it's not cheap. Companies can spend from $2 to $10 on professional services for each $1 they spend on software. Organizations that spend $100,000 on a moderately priced ECM package can expect to spend considerably more to get the software up and running. They also tend to be complex. To make it work, define business goals and tie projects to money-making opportunities. Linking projects to specific benefits is a way to limit the size of projects so that they don't quickly spiral out of control. ECM vendors include Open Text, Interwoven, Oracle, EMC, Microsoft, Alfresco Software, Nuxeo, Docubase Systems, Hyland Software, Laserfiche and Perceptive Software.

To get more about enterprise content management:
- read the article at CIO Decisions

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