Why MOSS for SAP Document Management?

The SPS Content Management Server in MOSS may be desired when SAP Based business process scenarios demand greater functionality, flexibility for distributed eBusiness processes and a cross enterprise common document repository is needed for more than just SAP originated content.

Microsoft's Sharepoint Portal server incorporates very full featured Content Management services coupled with complete MSFT Back Office integration and Enterprise Portal facilities.

iNet.DM enables SPS2007 to act as a fully functional Content Server, leveraging the workflow and business document tracking facilities of SAP ArchiveLink with support for documents of different types for near-line storage, archival or document management.

The types of documents range from "documents" in proprietary SAP format typically stored in the SAP database (such as financial documents, purchase orders, closed master records) to documents usually created, viewed and/or edited by applications other than SAP, though they may have some significance or bearing on business processes within the SAP system itself (for example, technical drawings referenced from bill of materials stored in the SAP database).

The Microsoft ECM offering provides organizations with an integrated solution for managing the entire life cycle of different types of content, including documents, forms, images, e-mail messages, and  instant messages.

The key components of an ECM solution, such as Web content management, records management, document management/collaboration, search, and workflow, are provided on a unified platform based on the widely adopted Microsoft SharePoint® Products and Technologies foundation, and more.

A unified architecture provides a common set of services such as the Web Part framework, integrated search, integrated user management and user rights, digital rights management, workflow, security model, and collaboration. In addition, it supplies a unified storage infrastructure for storing ECM objects of all types and sizes, including documents, e-mail messages, forms, images, Web content objects, discussion threads, lists, Web links, and more.

The unified architecture ensures integration and consistency across the various ECM components, and supports individuals, teams, and business units through intranet, extranet, and Internet sites, without requiring the use of disparate systems for these different scenarios. New functionality can be gradually and easily added without the need to re-architect the underlying infrastructure.

Thanks to this common architecture, users can re-use applications, code, and site content, enabling a common development and deployment experience for developers and IT professionals, respectively. It also means rapid deployment, low training costs, and a minimal burden on IT to deploy and maintain multiple solutions for different business functions.

With iNet.DM and MOSS there is support for optimized Business Processes based on a flexible front-end for SAP document centric processes for:

• Federated Policy Management
• Compliance Solutions/Certifications
• E-mail archiving
• Taxonomy Management
• Document Assembly
• Content viewers

Effectively managing documents across the enterprise and streamlining business processes requires giving users access to the relevant information when and where they need it.