IBM Launching Search Tools For XML Documents

UPDATED: IBM has improved the ability of its content management software to handle XML-based documents, broadening the scope of data types the products can capture, manage and search.

The Armonk, N.Y., company issued versions 8.3 of DB2 Content Manager, DB2 Document Manager and DB2 CommonStore IBM that use the performance and integration perks of Project Cinnamon, part of the company's endeavor to improve the speed and efficiency with which XML documents are processed.

Theresa O'Neil, IBM director of content management, said versions 8.3 include considerable improvements in their ability to help administrators find specific documents in e-mail systems, databases or file systems at a time when compliance regulations like Sarbanes-Oxley permeate the business world.

O'Neil said IBM has applied its OmniFind technology to offer automated indexing and searching tools in its content management software to help users pinpoint, corral and recall unstructured data, such as e-mails or structured XML files.

DB2 Content Manager 8.3 allows users to automate processes using graphical tools and provides rapid document routing. In addition to the product's greater ability to let clients coordinate file retrieval, the software also integrates with DB2 Records Manager. The tools help users declare and classify data across all forms of business content to help businesses keep tabs on files for compliance.

Content Manager 8.3 also features more Web services (define) support for Microsoft .NET environments.

Complementary to Content Manager 8.3 is Document Manager 8.3, which includes new records management integration and expanded language support. The software also boasts better keyboard accessibility and search, as well as new single sign-on perks between Content Manager and Document Manager to shore up network security.

Lastly, IBM has bolstered its DB2 CommonStore archive and retention management software for e-mails, attachments and messaging content with new search capabilities. New records management integration allows users save e-mails and attachments as records.

CommonStore 8.3 also manages, retains and disposes of messaging system content to help comply with regulatory, legal and corporate policy requirements. Included are new full-text indexing, searching and retrieval that let users access content, message body and attachments from client interfaces or archive repositories.

The new products will go on sale March 25. IBM is also offering Corporate Information Asset Manager, a service that helps life sciences firms identify data that needs to be archived, retrieved or deleted, as well as Account Opening to help banks facilitate checking, savings and loan accounts services. These two offerings give IBM 160 solution bundles spanning 12 vertical markets.

Such tools are crucial at a time when Sarbanes-Oxley, HIPAA and several other records retention rules are forcing corporations to quickly recall files and other data from a variety of repositories.

Though Big Blue is easily the leader in content management in terms of market share, the concern is competing with EMC and standalone content management vendors such as Interwoven and FileNet, so native search capabilities are highly prized.

O'Neil, who noted that IBM has an installed base of 13,000 customers, said IBM's head start and leading market position put the company in the driver's seat with regard to EMC and pure-play vendors. She also said IBM doesn't take EMC lightly at a time when the information systems vendor is offering corporations more solution bundles and services.

"We are taking steps to make sure we stay ahead of the curve and the competition," O'Neil said.

Content management isn't the only area in which IBM is looking to win over customers with expanded search features.

The outfit has begun offering search tools as part of its WebSphere information integration line's push to delve more deeply into the lucrative enterprise search market, where corporate employees struggle to find specific documents from large pools of data.