management, Content Management Licensing

Hi,
We are implementing an ECM solution and trying to understand more about
platforms and content management software available.

We had done preliminary research on the topic and have identified a few
vendors. I am curious as to know the role of a 'platform' in a CMS. Is
it an absolute necessity or could individual DM or DAM software run
plainly on our OS ? (Windows)

Also, is the platform more of a tool on which I could develop my own
applications or is it just the interface between my software and the
Operating System... ?

How is the licensing usually done in selling ECM software ? Are there
separate licenses for platforms and for the software? Is the platform
licensed on a per CPU / per user basis and the software licensed on a
per user basis ?

If I am mistaken, how else is the licensing modelled ?

Thanks in advance...
Rueben.

Hi Rueben (Paul?)
If you give me a ring off list, I can walk you thru how we license.
Thom
703-242-0360

A true ECM is more then storing files. This is a revolutionairy way of
structuring data of all types onto a server. In order to find these
files effectively you'll need a software (Document Management or DM)
for users to find the documents. Imagine user groups with specific
privilages. These users can now search for any term, yet they'll only
see what they have been granted to see by the DM system. Also a good
DM system will allow you to have version control of your documents and
document routing. Document Routing is a great tool for managing
workflows that typically happen in hard copy format - only with a DM
you can mimic the same workflow electronically. Management of users
can now be quantified by how their participation within the routing
rules. For example, if a user routes documents faster then everybody
else with the same job, then a manager can reward that user and try to
duplicate their process across all users within the same group.

As you can see, a DM is more then records management. Keep in mind
that if your new to this idea, you'll need help organizing and training
people on how to become more effective with electronic document
management.

A good DM system will revolutionize a company! Bottom line, your users
will work more documents faster without having to work harder.

If you need any help, just email or post a question here.

Adam Snide