Enterprise Content Management In a Service-Oriented Architecture

Enterprise content management (ECM) vendors typically provide an interface enabling end users to access the content management services out of the box. If a user wants to use these services without an integration effort, he or she must learn new processes and become familiar with the ECM’s user interface. When ECM is provided as a service, as part of service-oriented architecture, end users may continue using existing familiar applications, reducing the need for training. Integration between the existing applications and the ECM system is handled via Web services. The Web services can perform content management functions such as storing or retrieving a record from the ECM system. The Web service may be leveraged by multiple applications. Per-seat software licensing savings may be realized because fewer users will need to use the ECM provider’s user interface.

Potential benefits realized when SOA philosophy is put in place with an ECM environment are:

• Ease of Use – Because the ECM services will be integrated with existing and familiar applications, users can more quickly and easily learn and use the solution.
• Reduced User License Costs – Because users will be accessing the ECM functionality through the Web services, organizations may need fewer user licenses, depending on the vendor’s licensing model.
• Broader ECM Usage – After implemented with Web services, the benefits of an enterprise content management solution can be shared across business units, geographic zones, and with the organization’s partner and customer ecosystems.
• Operational Improvements – When deployed and used correctly, an ECM integrated with Web services can support improved compliance, efficiency, effectiveness and continuity.

Benefiting From an ECM SOA Strategy

Companies must assess technology options, address process changes and overcome user resistance to change. In response to those challenges, organizations are now evaluating and deploying Web service-based ECM systems that deliver security, efficiency, compliance and end-user acceptance..