enterprise content management

Check out SharePoint

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 06:59:58 -0400

It might be worth evaluating SharePoint, Microsoft's new content management system. It's a product that must be managed carefully, according to Russ Edelman, president of Corridor Consulting, a company that specializes in enterprise content management. Organizations use SharePoint as a centralized repository for a variety of files, according to an InformationWeek article. It is also proven as a collaboration platform. While there are a zillion products out there that can help your office work well, it's always good to take a look at them. Right?

For more on Microsoft's SharePoint:
- See this InformationWeek article

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IBM goes to the mat for data management

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 06:59:58 -0400

It was only a matter of time before IBM came up with a data integration tool that allows customers to manage all data from a single point. IBM's Master Data Management Server, currently in beta, is expected to be available in early 2008. And Big Blue has also released new products to emphasize its commitment to information management. That includes version 8.4 of its Enterprise Content Management product and the IBM Data Studio and Master Data Management Service. The Data Studio is a free, Eclipse-based tool that manages data lifecycles. It will be available for download at the end of this month.

For more on IBM data management:
- see this BPM Today article

Content management takes a leap ahead

Tue, 08 May 2007 20:01:38 -0400

Forget what you know about collaboration technologies. The latest versions of these platforms have many new features, and are worth a fresh look. One example is Microsoft's SharePoint Server 2007, which most companies use for workgroup collaboration. The product has undergone significant changes--today, adding SharePoint to Windows Server, SQL Server and maybe Exchange provides good synergy. That's not the case if you're a Linux shop, however. SharePoint 2007 is now more credible for enterprise content management. Instead of using file servers, you can capture content in SharePoint. SharePoint also has capabilities for records management and workflow, although it's not a replacement for a file system like SQL Server. If it comes down to a decision between IBM's and Microsoft's collaboration strategies, evaluate based on how much you care about things like Java and support for non-Microsoft platforms, whether you need an email strategy with content and collaboration and whether you need to support multiple rich client platforms.

Read more about the advances in content management:
- read the article at TechTarget

ALSO:
- read this on managing content
- and this on controlling enterprise content

Creating a sound information strategy

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 20:01:39 -0400

There are four pillars to a sound information strategy. The first is managing the information assets. That involves creating an information management department that partners with the enterprise architecture team to guarantee system interconnectivity and standardization; developing an enterprise information model to inventory information as it is created, accessed, transferred or copied across the enterprise; and creating an enterprise-wide metadata repository that includes the metadata for all pieces of information. The second pillar is setting information governance policies to protect information from unauthorized access and removal. The third is identifying and documenting necessary roles, including information strategist, information steward, information architect, metadata specialist, information quality specialist and information security specialist. Finally, identify areas the organization must focus on, along with their business priorities and plans of approach. These include master data management, data integration, information quality, business intelligence , enterprise content management, knowledge management and competitive intelligence.

Read more on the four pillars of information:
- read the article at CIO Update

ALSO: read this on implementing an organizational information strategy

Managing content

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 20:01:38 -0400

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

Related Article:
How ECM can cure multiple tech ills. Report

ECM can cure multiple tech ills

Thu, 11 May 2006 20:01:36 -0400

If your current infrastructure can be described as a series of silos for documenting, managing and sharing data, with little integration or collaborative functions, then you should seriously take a look at enterprise content management (ECM), which provides a framework for enhancing business processes, gaining technology efficiencies and securing valuable data while letting works access information when needed. As several public sector tech leaders have realized, a good ECM strategy covers a lot of ground and helps ease the burden to do more with less, increase collaborative knowledge sharing and secure the enterprise.

For more on a good ECM approach:
- read this article at Public CIO