In the average organization today, about 80 per cent of critical business data is locked in documents stored in document management systems or on the desktops of individual employees scattered throughout the company. With the emergence of B2B, B2G, B2C, etc., the number of people involved in a single business transaction is growing, while the time period is shortening. As we enter the era of the wired, global marketplace it is crucial for organizations to achieve a greater level of corporate collaboration. Employees, suppliers, partners, and customers will be able to access and re-use information the instant they need it. But there is a significant drawback.
People understand words and pictures.
Bringing the two together in a user-friendly way has not been achieved. The interface looks and feels like a regular Microsoft Word template. And when users want to distribute the XML file for comments, it's as easy as sending a regular attachment via e-mail. At first glance, Microsoft Word may look like a glorified digital typewriter. Each of these interfaces can be connected to databases and any other XML-enabled software program.