IBM Unveils First Major FileNet Release

Computerworld - IBM last week unveiled FileNet P8 4.0, the first major new release of the enterprise content management software since IBM bought FileNet Corp. last October for $1.6 billion.

The new version of the software adds a J2EE-based content engine and content federation services for third-party repositories so that a company can carry out searches, classification, storage, updates and deletions of data stored in multivendor content stores, IBM said.

Such data federation is vital, since it’s “impossible” for a major company to store all of its content in a single repository, said Steve Mills, senior vice president of IBM’s software group, during a conference call last week.

Some large organizations have as many as 20 different content stores, he noted.

The FileNet software also allows users to capture, manage, access and join content from across their operations, IBM said. The new version can also automate records management tasks, making it easier for companies to meet compliance requirements, according to IBM.

Document Management

Franklin Alvarez, manager of computer applications and construction services at Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc., a 35-year IBM customer and a 15-year user of FileNet’s software, said he expects to benefit from their consolidation. “We were very happy to see the two come together,” he said. “It gives us real synergies to leverage.”

The utility company began deploying FileNet’s P8 system in late 2004 to automate many manual content management functions. Con Edison was looking to ease the process of transferring data between the company and government agencies.

Alvarez’s unit is responsible for the excavation work required for laying new electricity cables or gas pipelines in New York and for repairing existing systems there. Such tasks require constant communication with multiple city agencies to obtain work permits.

The utility is also keen to use the FileNet system to provide more content, such as layouts of systems and compliance specifications, to its workers at excavation sites.

Con Edison uses the business process management piece of the FileNet software to capture knowledge from its aging workforce, Alvarez said. “Our company is cradle to grave,” he said. “It’s not uncommon for someone to work here for 30 to 40 years.”

During the teleconference, IBM also debuted a new Web 2.0 interface for its Content Manager OnDemand software. The interface will enable users to access content held in all of IBM’s content management offerings via a Web browser.

Mills wouldn’t comment on whether the vendor plans to add to its stable of content management offerings via more acquisitions. He did note that he expects the company to continue acquiring companies at its current rate of about a dozen per year.

Mills said that IBM plans to bring out content management offerings targeting small and midsize customers at some point. “We’re already reaching into the middle and have some skinnied-down products,” he said.

Martens is a reporter for the IDG News Service.