In an age of highly publicised corporate scandals, the risks of misuse and abuse of an ever-expanding volume of online information is creating restless nights for many senior executives. But wrestling "digital content" under control is about more than staying out of trouble. According to a new book by Open Text CEO Tom Jenkins, to be launched in SA in April 2005, it is now central to a company`s success.
Open Text is represented locally by IT infrastructure and solutions provider, Datacentrix.
Called "Enterprise Content Management, What You Need to Know", the book offers an easy-to-understand analysis of today`s information challenges and the technology companies are adopting to turn content into a competitive advantage - enterprise content management (ECM) software.
With billions of e-mails created daily, not to mention instant messages and documents of every type flowing through corporate computers and the Internet, the average manager is in a daily "paper chase" that makes it tough to keep up. It`s estimated that the average worker spends 20% of his or her time each day in e-mail alone. Add the tough requirements of corporate governance laws and issues such as privacy and security and it`s clear how significant the information management problem is for modern companies.
"Now, `what did you know and when did you know it?` is no longer a question reserved for political leaders. It is the question asked of every player in every major event of our time, from Enron to the Iraq War to 9/11 and everything in between," says Jenkins. "The rapid, free flow of electronic information that is delivering so many benefits in our society today is also creating risks with ever higher stakes. New laws such as Sarbanes-Oxley are compelling companies to get their digital houses in order. Those that do it right will reap enormous benefits in the years to come."
According to Jenkins, a better understanding of ECM technology is critical. "Enterprise Content Management, What You Need to Know" is a blueprint for ECM software, providing a comprehensive definition of what comprises ECM today and tomorrow.
The book describes the components of ECM in the context of solving business problems, including collaboration, content management, business process automation, records management, knowledge management and the integration of ECM technology with other business applications.
Jenkins` vision outlined in the book has enabled his company over the past 10 years to develop the industry`s most complete portfolio of ECM capabilities currently available.
The book contains more than 60 case studies from organisations such as the US Air Force, BMW, Barclays Bank, Siemens, Air Liquide, Krispy Kreme, Daimler Chrysler and Lockheed Martin. The case studies detail how these global organisations are using ECM technology to increase revenue, reduce expenses, create agility, manage risk and execute strategy.
The book can be purchased via www.amazon.com or interested parties can qualify for a free copy by registering at www.opentext.com/corporate/ecm-book.html.
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