FileNet Content Manager

Pros: FileNet provides both document management and business process management functionalities. FileNet provides robust out of the box tools for end users (IBM Content Navigator) and for admins(ACCE) to store and classify documents. It has a great set of connectors for data migration to and from Kofax, XML import/export, Emails, Sharepoint, scanners, file systems, etc. Perfectly works with Oracle, DB2, SQL, MSSQL databases, IBM WebSphere, WebLogic, JBoss application servers, allows to configure data model and user permissions as detailed as you may need. It provides tools to design workflow with integration with core applications.

Cons: Collaborating documents with external users force you to send the document via email or requires the external users to have FileNet license. Other ECM products solve this problem easily like Box.com. Cloud deployment is not well practiced.

Overall: I have used this software for past 10 years and implemented this solution to multiple clients who have stored documents from multiple business units like HR, Accounts payable, IT, Contracts, etc. I have designed applications to allow access to documents only to certain groups. I have designed multiple workflow applications for HR help desk. document approval process.

Pros: Platform is easily adjustable, has wide out-of-box capabilities of operating and integration. It allows to solve many hidden sub-problems that may be not obvious while developing a new ECM system. here's where File Net has you covered and good practices were already implemented before. IBM FileNet has a great set of connectors for data migration to and from Adobe, Cofax, XML import/export; perfectly works with Oracle, DB2, MsQL databases, IBM WebSphere, Tomcat application servers, allows to configure data model and user permissions as detailed as you may need.

Cons: Some components of platform cannot be modified so creating system architecture should be performed carefully to avoid future support difficulties. For some configuration you may need experienced IBM FileNet specialists because platform has its specific. Support and maintenance of the system also should be well prepared to easily detect problems in future (good logging mechanism, user activity journal, reporting, export configuration).

Recommendations to other buyers: Should be customized by qualified personnel as has a lot of customization points that are not obvious for a regular IT administrator or software developer. But if in right hands - will help to solve many business problems related to storing huge amounts of data with easy access to any of it anytime, document workflows for approval process or exchange formal paperwork, flexible permissions configuration.

Pros: this is one of the best ECM tools available in the market that can be leveraged by both medim and large organizations - it is fairly comprehensive and scalable, easy to be adminstered upon.

Cons: some times too many changes are being made by IBM in an upgrade/next version release and this can be a little challenging to cope with

Overall: ability to integrate enterprise content and manage them in a systematic fashion

Pros: It's a product easy to use and easy to admin. Setup and support are key factors to select a product. I highly recommend it specially if you are in the government or military. Average user adaptation is perfect for enterprise and mid-size companies.

Cons: Price is not cheap and for small businesses it's not a realistic solution. Not because it's bad but it's expensive compared with other content management competitors.

Overall: Always remind that content is the currency that fuels and funds digital transformation

Pros: It's a very stable product that's easy to use. It's also very scalable and can be easily customized to meet specific needs

Cons: Installation of the product is very complex to carry out. Even though it's easy to use, learning takes time. Lastly, it's very costly to setup

Pros: IBM is a large company and has a complete suite of software and services. IBM also has wonderful support team

Cons: It does not address specific needs of our ecosystem. It also is not very intuitive and at time difficult to use b

Recommendations to other buyers: Make sure it fits into your ecosystem this is very important

Pros: It has good interface, nice tool for managing documents and metadata, it can be integrated with other platforms

Cons: I have looked and didn't find like a cellphone app to use it without having to acces it from the computer

Pros: You are aboe to customize based on business requirements of every organization. It's flexible and secure

Cons: Install and configuration is complex, it's a complex tool to learn and the cost is high so tha is a disadvantage