Adobe wants to manage enterprise content

Long ago Adobe invented PDF - the format designed for document collaboration. Then for this format Adobe created a set of auxiliary tools. One of these tools, Adobe LiveCycle, was designed for building web forms that save entered information directly to PDF-files. And now, on the basis of this product and in partnership with Alfresco, Adobe has released its own ECM solution Adobe LiveCycle ES that will compete with MS Sharepoint, Open Text and Oracle Content Management. Alfresco - is a very ambitious company that is  going to revolutionize the ECM market ruled by Microsoft, IBM, EMC, Open Text, SAP and Oracle. Alfresco is well-known for its open-source strategy. And now they are partnering with the "big brother" Adobe. Adobe LiveCycle ES is intended to automate all paper work - from form input to document approval and executions. And everything is accessible via a web browser. The system functionality includes:

1. Data Input

2. Electronic signature

3. Printing Documents (to pdf)

4. Business Process automation

5. Content Management, including:

- Electronic archive

- Document search and organization

- Access control

- Version Control

- Check in / check out

- Forums and blogs for collaboration

The system is powered by Adobe platform (pdf, flash, flex, air) and allows developers quickly and easily customize the solution for individual company requirements, and create really nice and convenient features (like web form with video assistant).

See also: Top 10 ECM software