ACOM Re-engineers Workflow in EZContent Manager, Hires Channel Master

Published: September 15, 2009

by Alex Woodie

ACOM Solutions issued a new release of EZContentManager last month that features a completely re-worked workflow module that ACOM claims is more intuitive to use while maintaining full audit controls. The Southern California company also announced the hiring of a new vice president of channels, Joe Torano, who previously worked at FormScape, VillageEDOCS, and IBM.

EZContent Manager was launched by ACOM four years ago to fill the entry-level content management and document storage needs of mid-market companies, including IBM System i shops. The software, which delivers index, archiving, and search capabilities to users through a Web browser, is based on Microsoft Windows Server and SQL Server technology, and carries a starting price around $10,000.

For EZContentManager 3.8, ACOM ditched the old "linear operating methodology" in its process modeler and replaced it with a new workflow component that provides users with "visualizations" showing them where they are in a given workflow process. The new workflow module also makes it easier for users to access documents, and allows workflows to be configured in a GUI without any programming, ACOM says.

"The new Process Manager not only expedites business processes, but also provides a clear visualization of every process at every stage," says ACOM vice president Sam Mikhail in a press release. "While intuitive to use, it also imposes disciplines to assure that users follow the precise protocols of each process, precluding short-cuts and maintaining a clear and comprehensive audit log."

Another feature in the new Process Manager is the capability to integrate with external programs, such as e-mail servers and business applications. EZContentManager 3.8 also gives users the capability to search for documents across all metadata fields, and gains support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.

Meanwhile, ACOM has taken steps to bolster its nascent channel sales effort with the hiring of Torano, who spent 20 years at IBM before taking executive jobs at VillageEDOCS, a document management software-as-a-service provider, and FormScape, a document management software company that was bought by Bottomline Technologies in 2006.

As vice president of channels, Torano will manage ACOM's sales channel, which was launched in 2008. ACOM has the right mix of technologies at the right time, Torano says. "The available technology is solid--imaging, decentralized scanning, sophisticated workflow processes, and easy integration with business systems--and current economic and regulatory conditions mandate that companies streamline their back office processes," he says in a press release. "It is the right channel solution at the right time, and I am excited with the opportunity to lead the ACOM partnership effort."

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