Abstract:
A system and methods for management and delivery of content and rules is disclosed. An exemplary method may comprise managing, for an organization, a plurality of data and a plurality of content in separate database entities, wherein the plurality of content is associated with the plurality of data based on a plurality of rules; packaging the plurality of rules with the plurality of content in a carrier that is independent from one or more presentation channels, wherein at least part of the plurality of content is integrated with at least part of the plurality of data; delivering the plurality of data and the carrier to the one or more presentation channels; integrating, at the one or more presentation channels, the plurality of data with the plurality of content based on the plurality of rules; and distributing the integrated data and content through the one or more presentation channels.

Description:
“This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/104,998, filed on May 11, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,374,971, which is a continuation U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/779,080, filed on May 13, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,966,264, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/830,114, filed on Apr. 23, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,742,997.” 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to business communication and marketing. More particular, the present invention relates to a system and method for management and delivery of content and rules. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Nowadays, it is typical for a business organization to communicate with clients and the general public through a number of media channels in order to promote sales or to improve public relations. For example, a company may maintain a website to provide information related to corporate background, products and services, sales and promotions, etc. The company may interact directly with current or potential clients through its retail and customer services divisions. It may also contact current or potential clients through direct mailing or telemarketing. In addition, it may place advertisements via mass media such as newspapers, magazines, or radio and television broadcast. It may also display messages and/or advertisements on display-boards in public places or at public events. 
     Depending on specific topics, the targeted audience and carrier channels, these communications often vary substantially in their content, format and level of detail. For example, mass media advertisements and/or messages include general communications targeted at a large group of consumers. Due to the high costs of mass media channels, the language and format for these communications are typically short and concise. Direct mailings usually include specific offers tailored for individuals or families. This type of communication tends to be more personalized and more detailed. Interactive media such as Internet websites favor yet another style of communications, which can be both generalized and individualized if necessary. For example, on the one hand a website can provide general information regarding the company and its products and services to a visitor. On the other hand, the website may also need to generate personalized content through an interaction with the visitor. In addition, an Internet website may enjoy a number of electronic publishing abilities, such as animations and pop-out banners, not available to other media channels. 
     With the great variety of media channels available, a modern organization can be empowered to strengthen its relationship with existing clients, to extend its reach to potential clients, and to enhance its public image and public relations, provided that communications through the multiple channels are properly managed and coordinated. 
     However, existing business communications and marketing solutions generally do not meet such requirements. Many solutions are typically single-functioned in that they each only deal with one or two media channels at a time. For example, some targeted marketing processes are capable of inserting variable information into client communications which are only in printed format. These processes usually cannot be easily modified to accommodate a different set of data or content or support publishing through other media channels (e.g., Internet banners). As a result, they cannot readily respond to fast-changing business demands with effective coordination. In many organizations, variable content for one media channel are managed separately from those for another channel, where the redundant development and maintenance may lead to waste of resources and inconsistencies among the different channels. Those inconsistencies may cause customer dissatisfaction and even raise legal or compliance issues. Further, most existing content management implementations typically lack the ability to share content and data assets among different lines of business due to the complexity of decisioning process flows to multiple presentation channels. Most content management tools lack the ability to pass decisioning functionality to the presentation layers. Few of them facilitate efficient change management or reliable direct auditing. 
     For example, in a traditional direct mail process, in order to generate the required direct mail pieces for a marketing campaign, the business has to create a massive target list by sorting a population database and tagging selected entries with cell codes. The target list file is then delivered to a print vendor together with pre-composed layout files. The print vendor typically has to re-key or import layout files into their systems using placeholders for variable data that will be input from the list file. Based on the logic and business rules which are usually provided by the business in the form of written instructions, the print vendor will have to program variability instructions to match the variable data to the layout files. The print vendor also has to re-create the formatting information based on instructions and samples provided. Next, the list file is loaded into a computer system where the cell codes of the variable data are matched to the printed forms by executing the variability instructions. Samples of the printouts will be manually verified by the business before mass printing is allowed to proceed. For another cycle of direct mailing, much of the work will have to be re-created or repeated. As can be seen, the whole process is far from streamlined and there is plenty of room for errors to be introduced. 
     In a traditional web content management process the content is managed directly in the tool that is deploying the content on the web. If that content is used elsewhere in the business, it must usually be updated in multiple locations. Additionally, web deployments, too, lack the ability to pass or receive the decisioning rules. 
     Other problems and drawbacks also exist. 
     In view of the foregoing, it would desirable to provide a solution for managing and delivering enterprise content which overcomes the above-described deficiencies and shortcomings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for management and delivery of content and rules. The method comprises managing, for an organization, a plurality of data and a plurality of content in separate database entities, wherein the plurality of content is associated with the plurality of data based on a plurality of rules; packaging the plurality of rules with the plurality of content in a carrier that is independent from one or more presentation channels, wherein at least part of the plurality of content is integrated with at least part of the plurality of data; delivering the plurality of data and the carrier to the one or more presentation channels; integrating, at the one or more presentation channels, the plurality of data with the plurality of content based on the plurality of rules; and distributing the integrated data and content through the one or more presentation channels. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a system for management and delivery of content and rules. The system comprises at least one first database entity that manages a plurality of data; at least one second database entity that manages a plurality of content, wherein the plurality of content is associated with the plurality of data based on a plurality of rules; a processor module; a delivery module; and one or more presentation channels; where the processor module packages the plurality of rules with the plurality of content in a carrier that is independent from the one or more presentation channels, wherein at least part of the plurality of content is integrated with at least part of the plurality of data, the delivery module delivers the plurality of data and the carrier to the one or more presentation channels, and the one or more presentation channels integrate the plurality of data with the plurality of content based on the plurality of rules, and distribute the integrated data and content. 
     Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a system for management and delivery of content and rules. The system comprises means for managing, for an organization, a plurality of data and a plurality of content in separate database entities, wherein the plurality of content is associated with the plurality of data based on a plurality of rules; means for packaging the plurality of rules with the plurality of content in a carrier that is independent from one or more presentation channels, wherein at least part of the plurality of content is integrated with at least part of the plurality of data; means for delivering the plurality of data and the carrier to the one or more presentation channels; means for integrating, at the one or more presentation channels, the plurality of data with the plurality of content based on the plurality of rules; and means for distributing the integrated data and content through the one or more presentation channels. 
     Still another embodiment of the present invention comprises a computer readable medium having code for causing at least one processor to manage and deliver content and rules. The computer readable medium comprises code adapted to manage, for an organization, a plurality of data and a plurality of content in separate database entities, wherein the plurality of content is associated with the plurality of data based on a plurality of rules; code adapted to package the plurality of rules with the plurality of content in a carrier that is independent from one or more presentation channels, wherein at least part of the plurality of content is integrated with at least part of the plurality of data; code adapted to deliver the plurality of data and the carrier to the one or more presentation channels; code adapted to integrate, at the one or more presentation channels, the plurality of data with the plurality of content based on the plurality of rules; and code adapted to distribute the integrated data and content through the one or more presentation channels. 
     One further embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for management and delivery of content and rules. The method comprises managing, for an organization, a plurality of data and a plurality of content in separate database entities, wherein the plurality of data are associated with a plurality of products and a plurality of clients, the plurality of content is stored in at least one media-independent format and comprises at least one of a discrete text element, a compiled text element and a graphic element, and the plurality of content is associated with the plurality of data based on a plurality of rules; packaging the plurality of rules with the plurality of content in a carrier that is independent from one or more presentation channels, wherein at least part of the plurality of content is integrated with at least part of the plurality of data, the plurality of content is packaged based on an extensible markup language (XML), and the plurality of rules are packaged based on an XSL transformations (XSLT) language; delivering the plurality of data and the carrier to the one or more presentation channels, wherein the one or more presentation channels comprise at least one of an Internet website, a printed communication, an electronic communication, a printed advertisement, a broadcast advertisement, a telemarketing script, an interactive voice response unit message, an automatic teller machine (ATM) message, and a display-board message; integrating, at the one or more presentation channels, the plurality of data with the plurality of content based on the plurality of rules and specific needs of the one or more presentation channels; and distributing the integrated data and content through the one or more presentation channels. 
     Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the system and methods, particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like reference characters are used to indicate like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for management and delivery of content and rules according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating exemplary data flows and functional modules according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system for management and delivery of content and rules according to, an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary method for content-data pre-integration according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for management and delivery of content and rules according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for management and delivery of content and rules according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process steps in this flow chart provide an overview of the inventive method. 
     In step  100 , a plurality of data for an organization may be compiled and managed in one or more databases that are separate from managed content. The data may be from a number of sources providing a wide range of information. For example, a customer database may contain not only basic identification and contact information regarding each customer, but also such information as the account status, account history and spending patterns, etc. A marketing database may contain product or service offers including prices, interest rates, and other specific terms. Other databases may contain financial market rates, indexes and benchmarks, local and federal regulations, etc. 
     In step  102 , relevant data may be automatically imported from the various sources. A core content management system or application may have access to the various databases over network interface(s), direct data junction or portable media, for example. 
     Concurrently, in step  104 , a plurality of content and rules may be stored and managed in one or more media-independent formats for an entire organization. The managed content may include any kind of text or graphic elements that may be used in the organization&#39;s communications with clients, partners and/or the general public. For example, for a financial company, text elements may include disclosure language, portfolio language, fulfillment language, acquisition languages and partner languages. These text elements may be either discrete (e.g., words or phrases) or compiled (e.g., sentences or paragraphs). The graphic elements may include, for example, company logos, trademarks, letterheads, photos, creative images, forms and templates, etc. The content may be managed in a centralized fashion for the entire organization such that there is no duplicate of content storage and maintenance. The managed content may be stored in one or a series of relational databases. Updates and modifications of the content may be done through a user interface and the resulting changes can be kept consistent throughout the organization. The managed content is typically standardized. For each element that varies in final presentation, the similarities are recognized and retained in a standardized form while the dissimilarities are treated as variables or variable content. According to embodiments of the invention, the formats of the content may be independent from the media types in which it will be presented. One or more style tags or identifiers may be attached to each content unit. 
     Furthermore, a plurality of logic and business rules may be compiled and managed for the entire organization. Such rules may include mandatory, conditional or optional associations between the variable data and managed content and/or among the data or content themselves. These rules typically govern the logical combination as well as physical layout of the data and content. The compilation and management of the rules may be based on organization policies, business motivations, regulatory or legal requirements, and contractual obligations. For example, the business rules may reflect particular promotional offers, qualification algorithms, terms and conditions, etc. The rules may also include those concerning the fonts, formats and styles of a presentation output. 
     Part of the data and managed content may be pre-integrated in step  106  based on the plurality of logic and business rules. For example, the data and content that do not vary based on the media, presentation channels or target audience may be combined and composed in accordance with the predetermined rules. The pre-integrated elements may themselves serve as part of the managed content in the subsequent processes. 
     In step  110 , the relevant content, integrated data and rules may be packaged in a media-independent carrier. A separate data file containing account-specific information may have been sorted and organized into a list file. The managed content may be selected and have style tags embedded in the presentation nodes of the content file attached thereto. According to an embodiment of the invention, the managed content may be packaged based on an extensible markup language (XML). The relevant rules governing the integration of the variable data and managed content may be packaged based on an XSL transformations (XSLT) language. XSL is short for extensible stylesheet language. The media-independent carrier may be an electronic package containing the list file, the XML file and the XSLT file. Alternatively, the list file may be delivered separately to the presentation channels. 
     In step  112 , the media-independent carrier may be delivered to one or more presentation channels. A presentation channel is typically a media channel through which the organization may communicate with a target or general audience. Exemplary presentation channels may include direct mailing, printed advertisements, Internet websites, display boards, televised commercials, telemarketing scripts, E-mails, alerts, interactive voice response unit (IVR or VRU) messages, and web pages, etc. Delivery of the carrier may be carried out over a network connection or via portable media. 
     In step  114 , each presentation channel may fully integrate the data and content into channel-specific output based on the relevant rules and the specific needs of each channel. According to embodiments of the invention, it would be desirable for each presentation channel to be equipped with processing tools capable of handling the media-independent carrier. Such processing tools may import the electronic package, unpack the data, content and rules files, populate the content with variable data based on the rules as well as specific needs of the presentation channel, and generate outputs suitable for publishing in the channel. 
     In step  116 , the channel-specific output may be published. That is, the outputs with integrated data and content may finally be presented to the intended audience through the specific media channels. For example, personalized letters, coupons or convenience checks may be mailed to the individuals; the composed web content may be called to a web server and dynamically published based on customer information; the advertisements may be printed on magazines or newspapers; commercial scripts may be broadcast on radio or television; and telemarketing scripts may be read by telemarketers to their callers. 
     The above-described process may also include a preview and auditing step  118  where the managed content, the pre-integrated data and content, and the fully integrated outputs may be previewed and audited for quality control as well as legal and compliance requirements. The auditing may be carried out by financial experts, administrative personnel, legal experts and IT staff through a high-level user interface. Changes may be made through a change management interface. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating exemplary data flows and functional modules according to an embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary data flows and functional modules may be implemented based on the exemplary system depicted in  FIG. 3 . The architecture of the content management system involve three layers: data ( 200 ), managed content ( 300 ) and presentation ( 400 ), which are developed and managed separately in order to best support the complexity and scope of the business. In practice, data from various sources, such as products data  202 , offer or promotion data  204 , and partner data  208 , may be automatically imported to the content layer  300 . Specifically, the data may be delivered through a data migration interface  210 . The core content management application(s) may automatically pull appropriate content elements, such as portfolio language  212 , fulfillment language  214 , acquisition language  216 , disclosure language  218  and partner language &amp; images  220 . Based on the logic and business rules  222 , the content may be populated with variable data points and aggregated content elements may be created in pre-integration  226 . The data, content and rules may then be packaged ( 228 ) and delivered ( 230 ) to presentation layer  400 . The account data  206  may be delivered directly to the presentation layer  400  or pass through the content layer  300 . The content layer  300  may also include a cChange management module  224  for modifying and updating the content and rules through a user-friendly interface. The presentation layer  400  may include a number of presentation channels, such as internet website  234 , direct mailing  236 , printed advertisement  238 , portfolio marketing  240 , display boards  242 , and televised ads, ATM &amp; telemarketing  244 . Each of these channels may fully integrate the data and content based on the rules received and their individual needs. Each channel may generate outputs specifically suited to their communication medium. For example, in the Internet website channel  234 , the output may include general informational web pages, as well as customized web messages for individual online members. In the direct mailing channel  236 , the output may include personalized envelopes, letters and inserts that represent offer information matched to qualified individuals. In the printed advertisement channel  238 , the output may include take-ones, flyers and advertisement pages with information or messages of a general nature. In channel  244 , the output may include certain scripts to be incorporated in television commercials, messages to be displayed at automatic teller machines (ATMs), telemarketing scripts, and/or interactive voice response unit (IVR or VRU) messages. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system for management and delivery of content and rules according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 3 , there is shown a processor  302 , a user Interface  304 , a content database  306 , a business rules database  308 , other databases  310 ,  312  and  314 , and exemplary presentations channels such as print shop  316 , mass media  318 , public display  320 , and Internet website  322 . Processor  302  may be a computer or a server capable of data manipulation, logic operation and mathematical calculation. Processor  302  may also have network access or other data connections with other components of the system. User interface  304  may include input and output devices as well as software interfaces to enable a user to interact with the content management application(s) hosted in processor  302 . Content database  306  may comprise storage medium as well as management tools for a variety of content. Business rules database  308  may comprise storage medium as well as management tools for logic and business rules. The databases  310 ,  312  and  314  represent various sources of variable data that may be accessed locally or remotely. 
     In operation, processor  302  may be commanded through user interface  304  to manage content database  306  and business rules database  308 . Processor  302  may also be commanded to import relevant data from databases  310 ,  312  and  314 , associate the data with managed content in content database  306  based on the rules in database  308 , and package the data, content and rules for delivery to the presentation channels. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary method for content-data pre-integration according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 4 , there is shown content elements  402 , data source  404 , logic/rules  406  and compiled content  408 . The exemplary data, content and rules are related to a standard Schumer Box that financial companies are required to use to discloses the basic terms of a credit card in credit card advertising and solicitation materials. Herein, the Content Elements  402  include the specific language for the “Other APR” field and “Variable rate information” field. In a content database, the language for the “Other APR” field is identified with a field code “SH_OA_LP — 06080910” and language for the “Variable rate information” field is identified with field code “VRI F NBT FCAV 10.” Take the “Late Payment APR” language as an example. The language includes variable portions identified by place holding tags such as [F], [H] and [P], which have their corresponding data values in data source  404 . To compile a “RATE, FEE AND OTHER COST INFORMATION” table, the Schumer Box part of the logic/rules  406  may be executed by the content management system. For example, to populate the “Late Payment APR” portion in the “Other APR” field, the field code “SH_OA_LP_XXXXXXXX” in the rule table may be utilized to identify the appropriate content element, which is
         “Late Payment APR: Late once during introductory period:   [F]% [H] on purchases. Late twice in any six-month period:   [P]% [R] on all balances.”
 
And the place holding tags [F], [H], [P] and [R] in the selected content element may be utilized to pull the relevant data values 9.90, F, 19.99 and F respectively, from the data source list file. The data values may be combined with the “Late Payment APR” language and filled in the appropriate field in the Schumer Box, so that port may read
   “Late Payment APR: Late once during introductory period:   9.90% fixed on purchases. Late twice in any six-month period: 19.99% fixed on all balances.”
 
in the final compiled content  408 . This Schumer Box (compiled content  408 ) is now pre-integrated content which may be combined with other pre-integrated content, such as marketing language, and sent to the presentation channels with the rules and list file or other customer data to be used to create a single presentation package populated with the customer&#39;s account level information such as name, address, balance. The Schmer Box content may be published via a variety of presentation channels, for example printed in credit card advertisements, inserted in mailing pieces, uploaded to web pages, shown on public display boards or read in a radio broadcast.
       

     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for content management and delivery according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated process steps are related to the production of convenience checks in a marketing campaign. Nevertheless, the exemplary method may be applicable or adaptable to the preparation of other types of client communications as well. 
     In a marketing campaign for credit products, marketing department  510  of a financial company may generate certain requirements for the campaign. For example, any required content changes may be submitted and processed through a content change management application  512 . Specific information related to the campaign, such as balance transfer pricing structure and population targeting criteria, may be included in a campaign data file  514 . The campaign data file  514  may be delivered to list management department  530 , where the campaign data may be processed resulting in account/individual list file  532 . The list file  532  may contain account data with placeholder tags for variable data and variable content. The campaign data file  514  may also be delivered to content services department  520  together with the content changes. A content management application  522  may integrate the campaign content and campaign data in step  524  and generate a campaign content package  540 . The campaign content package  540  may include an XSLT File  542 , an XML content file  544  and graphic and form files  546 . The XSLT file  542  may be a logic file that is used to parse the list file  532 . The XML content file  544  may contain all the campaign-related template, presentation and content information. The graphic and form files  546  may be images (e.g., background images of a convenience check or check template form) that are referenced in the XML Content File  544  and are to be placed in the final print. Next, the list file  532  and the campaign content package  540  may be delivered to a print vendor  550 . In step  552 , the print vendor  550  may run a program to parse the list file  532  based on the XSLT file  542 , generating parsed account data files  554 . In the parsed account data files  554 , each account&#39;s data may be matched with qualified campaign data. Then, in step  556 , account-level content processing may be performed, where information in the XML content file  544  may be executed against the parsed account data files  554 , resulting in aggregated account-specific content files  558 . The aggregated account-specific content files  558  may contain content, presentation instructions (e.g., content placement and style information), and image instructions (e.g., image reference, placement, and style information). In the final print production step  560 , the aggregated account-specific content files  558  may be printed on pre-existing template forms based on the presentation instructions. Specific form IDs may be referenced in the aggregated account-specific content files  558 . The referenced images may be retrieved from the graphic and form files  546  and printed on the forms based on the image instructions. The final result may be account-specific print materials  562  such as individualized convenience checks with recipients&#39; names, mailing addresses and balance transfer interest rates. 
     According to embodiments of the invention, the system and method for management and delivery of content and rules as described above may be especially beneficial to a company with the need for mass distribution of content and/or data to a diverse population. Companies that may be benefited include those in the financial services sector, insurance, pharmaceutical, publishing, or manufacturing (such as tools, automobiles or electronics equipment) with the need to communicate to their customers or potential customer base. For example, a financial company may prepare and send million of direct-mail pieces on a weekly basis, distribute a wide range of acquisition materials such as magazine ads, take-ones, fast applications and mail inserts, contact millions of banking customers or card members at least on a monthly basis, and send out a huge amount of fulfillment materials, both printed and plastic. For such a financial entity, it may be desirable to implement the system and method for management and delivery of content and rules in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, such that the management of data, content and rules may be centralized and streamlined. As a result, business rules may be embedded to match content to data. For example, disclosure language may be consistently matched to pricing data, marketing copies may be accurately populated with offer data, and partner requirements may be fulfilled by correct use of images and language. The centralized content management may also ensure consistent and efficient change management where changes are not duplicated and relational changes may be systematically identified. Such implementation may also facilitate sharing of information among different lines of business within the company, which may create cross-sell opportunities otherwise invisible to independent-operating lines of business. 
     While the foregoing description includes many details and specificities, it is to be understood that these have been included for purposes of explanation only, and are not to be interpreted as limitations of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other modifications to the embodiments described above can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, such modifications are considered within the scope of the invention as intended to be encompassed by the following claims and their legal equivalents.