Xerox Docushare
Encyclopedia
DocuShare is a content management system
developed by Xerox Corporation . DocuShare makes use of open standards and allows for managing content, integrating it with other business systems, and developing customized and packaged software applications.
Since its initial launch, DocuShare has added capabilities in workflow/business process management, production imaging, records and retention management, social collaboration, and enterprise scalability. With version 5.0 in 2006, Xerox launched DocuShare CPX and a flexible licensing model that allows customers to mix read-only, guest (public), basic content services and more CM seats as they need. As of version 6.6, there are four separate DocuShare products.
Developer tools: DocuShare Developer Environment – A J2EE SDK for integrating DocuShare with other business systems, and building content-centric applications.
Solutions: DocuShare Virtual Filing System – Combines software, hardware, and consulting services to convert paper-based filing into a digital content management system.
Hosted solutions: DocuShare is also available as a hosted offering by Xerox’s outsourced services business.
DocuShare is a multi-tier, Java SE-based (rather than Java EE) platform with an architecture and developer environment that allows interoperability. The platform uses a Tomcat
server and various OEM engines including Autonomy Corporation
's (for indexing, eForms and BPM) and records management
from IBM
. Xerox has built out the technology components using a Java SE architecture and adding workflow and search engines. It also contains wiki
, blog
and comment features, for social networking. For imaging, it includes a content intake manager (an XMl Parser), ability to e-mail directly to a DocuShare collection, scan cover sheets (with DataGlyph technology formerly in the Xerox FlowPort and PaperWorks
products), and an OCR engine optional add-on (provided by Nuance).
The Autonomy search engine is used to search for documents and metadata (formerly a Verity search engine was used).
To create more complex workflows, the DocuShare Developer Environment provides a Workflow software developer’s kit (SDK) and design tool.
MFP scanning. (EIP provides direct access to a repository from the touch panel of a Xerox MFP.) DocuShare can also be used with third party imaging tools including Kofax
, Cardiff Teleform, SRC Conveyor, WaterWare ScanManager, Polgroup StrategicValueWare, NSI AutoStore, Xerox Smart Document Travel, SRC File Clerk, ScanFlowStore, eCopy, Visioneer
OneTouch, EzeScan, Nuance
PaperPort, and DSI Software Systems. These systems and others connect DocuShare with multi-function printers (MFPs) and scanners.
/SharePoint Server, Cygnet ECM
, Oracle Corporation
, Documentum
, LogicalDOC
, Alfresco CMS/DMS
, OrfeoGPL
and other systems.
Recent partnerships:
Content management system
A content management system is a system providing a collection of procedures used to manage work flow in a collaborative environment. These procedures can be manual or computer-based...
developed by Xerox Corporation . DocuShare makes use of open standards and allows for managing content, integrating it with other business systems, and developing customized and packaged software applications.
History
Xerox DocuShare was originally developed by Xerox’s research centers as an application for internal use (named AmberWeb). The product was the first web-based document management tool offered to the market in 1997.Since its initial launch, DocuShare has added capabilities in workflow/business process management, production imaging, records and retention management, social collaboration, and enterprise scalability. With version 5.0 in 2006, Xerox launched DocuShare CPX and a flexible licensing model that allows customers to mix read-only, guest (public), basic content services and more CM seats as they need. As of version 6.6, there are four separate DocuShare products.
Product
The DocuShare Content Management Platform includes four products:- DocuShare Express delivers content management tailored to SMBs, for managing digital documents and converting paper content to digital.
- DocuShare provides document management, collaboration, image capture, and Web publishing capabilities to support information sharing in an enterprise or department. Add-ons include records management, lifecycle management, team workspaces, enterprise workflow, capture, and eForms.
- DocuShare Enterprise meets enterprise content management (ECM) requirements for large deployments.
- DocuShare Education is a special configuration for schools and higher education institutions.
Developer tools: DocuShare Developer Environment – A J2EE SDK for integrating DocuShare with other business systems, and building content-centric applications.
Solutions: DocuShare Virtual Filing System – Combines software, hardware, and consulting services to convert paper-based filing into a digital content management system.
Hosted solutions: DocuShare is also available as a hosted offering by Xerox’s outsourced services business.
Architecture and features
DocuShare has been noted for the simplicity of its UI and administration.DocuShare is a multi-tier, Java SE-based (rather than Java EE) platform with an architecture and developer environment that allows interoperability. The platform uses a Tomcat
Tomcat
Tomcat may refer to:* A male cat, known as a tom or tommiecat* Tomcats , a 2001 comedy film* Apache Tomcat, an open-source Java Servlet Container developed by the Apache Software Foundation* Beretta Tomcat, a small .32 caliber pistol...
server and various OEM engines including Autonomy Corporation
Autonomy Corporation
Autonomy is a multinational enterprise software company with joint headquarters in Cambridge, United Kingdom, and San Francisco, USA and a subsidiary of Hewlett-Packard. The company uses a combination of technologies born out of research at the University of Cambridge...
's (for indexing, eForms and BPM) and records management
Records management
Records management, or RM, is the practice of maintaining the records of an organization from the time they are created up to their eventual disposal...
from IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
. Xerox has built out the technology components using a Java SE architecture and adding workflow and search engines. It also contains wiki
Wiki
A wiki is a website that allows the creation and editing of any number of interlinked web pages via a web browser using a simplified markup language or a WYSIWYG text editor. Wikis are typically powered by wiki software and are often used collaboratively by multiple users. Examples include...
, blog
Blog
A blog is a type of website or part of a website supposed to be updated with new content from time to time. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in...
and comment features, for social networking. For imaging, it includes a content intake manager (an XMl Parser), ability to e-mail directly to a DocuShare collection, scan cover sheets (with DataGlyph technology formerly in the Xerox FlowPort and PaperWorks
PaperWorks
PaperWorks was a computer software program introduced by Xerox Corporation in 1992, which allowed a business traveler to communicate with his or her personal computer while away from the office....
products), and an OCR engine optional add-on (provided by Nuance).
The Autonomy search engine is used to search for documents and metadata (formerly a Verity search engine was used).
Terminology
In DocuShare, a "collection" is a folder for the storage of information. Multiple collections can be nested inside each other to form a tree.Workflow/BPM
Content Rules are pre-defined workflows that have been implemented into the product UI. The content rules can perform specific functions on a collection or document. They allow a lay user to pre-define a workflow by stepping through a process that will take place when a specific event happens: for example, if a document moves into a collection, the workflow can move it to another area, perform OCR, and perform steps based on the document’s contents.To create more complex workflows, the DocuShare Developer Environment provides a Workflow software developer’s kit (SDK) and design tool.
Imaging
As of 2007, Xerox DocuShare has a front end imaging component in Scan Cover Sheets, which use proprietary DataGlyph technology. An Extensible Interface (EIP) connector is also provided for XeroxXerox
Xerox Corporation is an American multinational document management corporation that produced and sells a range of color and black-and-white printers, multifunction systems, photo copiers, digital production printing presses, and related consulting services and supplies...
MFP scanning. (EIP provides direct access to a repository from the touch panel of a Xerox MFP.) DocuShare can also be used with third party imaging tools including Kofax
Kofax
Kofax is a company which manufactures and sells computer hardware, software and services. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange.-History:...
, Cardiff Teleform, SRC Conveyor, WaterWare ScanManager, Polgroup StrategicValueWare, NSI AutoStore, Xerox Smart Document Travel, SRC File Clerk, ScanFlowStore, eCopy, Visioneer
Visioneer
Visioneer, Inc. is a privately owned company based in Pleasanton, California. Per the company website, "Visioneer is a world-class developer of intelligent imaging solutions that provide a faster and easier way to capture documents and photographs and integrate them with popular Microsoft Windows...
OneTouch, EzeScan, Nuance
Nuance
Nuance is a small or subtle distinction. It can also refer to the following:*Nuance Communications, the name of a company that sells voice and productivity software solutions.*Nuance , the name of a 1980s dance music group....
PaperPort, and DSI Software Systems. These systems and others connect DocuShare with multi-function printers (MFPs) and scanners.
Competitors
DocuShare competes against Microsoft SharePointMicrosoft SharePoint
Microsoft SharePoint is a web application platform developed by Microsoft. First launched in 2001, SharePoint is typically associated with web content management and document management systems, but it is actually a much broader platform of web technologies, capable of being configured into a wide...
/SharePoint Server, Cygnet ECM
Cygnet ECM
Cygnet ECM is a document management and enterprise content management product. ECM technology allows offices the option of working almost completely electronically, reducing paper-printing and allowing users to work with their files from any location with an Internet connection...
, Oracle Corporation
Oracle Corporation
Oracle Corporation is an American multinational computer technology corporation that specializes in developing and marketing hardware systems and enterprise software products – particularly database management systems...
, Documentum
Documentum
Documentum is an enterprise content management platform, now delivered by EMC Corporation, as well as the name of the software company that originally developed the technology. EMC acquired Documentum for $1.7 billion in December, 2003...
, LogicalDOC
LogicalDOC
LogicalDOC is an Free/Libre document management system that is designed to handle and share documents within an organization.LogicalDOC is a content repository, with Lucene indexing, jBPM workflow, and a set of automatic import procedures....
, Alfresco CMS/DMS
Alfresco (software)
Alfresco is a Free/Libre enterprise content management system for Microsoft Windows and Unix-like operating systems. Alfresco comes in two flavours. Alfresco Community Edition is free software, LGPL licensed open source and open standards. Alfresco Enterprise Edition is commercially & proprietary...
, OrfeoGPL
OrfeoGPL
OrfeoGPL is a free Software Document management system. It is GPL licensed GPL and open standards. OrfeoGPL is Language and incorporates the idea of "Fractalize processes" to facilitate the management of any company documents....
and other systems.
Partnerships
DocuShare has delivery partners worldwide. Integrators use the platform to build industry-specific and business applications.Recent partnerships:
- Caringo, Inc. – Global distribution and integration of CAStor storage with DocuShare - November 2009
- Autonomy, Inc. – OEM agreement to license search, business process management (BPM) and eForms technology - January 2009
- ABBYY, Inc. – Reseller agreement to re-sell capture as an offering for Xerox DocuShare – September 2011
See also
- Enterprise content managementEnterprise content managementEnterprise Content Management is a formalized means of organizing and storing an organization's documents, and other content, that relate to the organization's processes...
(ECM) - Business process managementBusiness process managementBusiness process management is a holistic management approach focused on aligning all aspects of an organization with the wants and needs of clients. It promotes business effectiveness and efficiency while striving for innovation, flexibility, and integration with technology. BPM attempts to...
(BPM) - Document management
- Document imagingDocument imagingDocument imaging is an information technology category for systems capable of replicating documents commonly used in business. Document imaging systems can take many forms including microfilm, on demand printers, facsimile machines, copiers, multifunction printers, document scanners, computer...
- Records managementRecords managementRecords management, or RM, is the practice of maintaining the records of an organization from the time they are created up to their eventual disposal...