IBM Puts Document Classification Front and Center

May 30, 2008

IBM was thoughtful. I received a hot link to the new IBM white paper, Beyond Automation: Accelerating Processes with Classification. Before I clicked the link, I had a hunch that IBM’s Automated Classification Resource Center would feature OmniFind. I was right. IBM says:

The IBM Classification Module is a part of the IBM ECM portfolio and primarily targeted for use by IBM ECM customers. The previous version of the product (V8.3) was named IBM Classification Module for OmniFind Discovery Edition.

I had a bit of trouble figuring out what product name was current. In fact, depending on which IBM link you select you get directed to catalog pages, FileNet document management pages, or OminFind pages.

To get the Flash video, navigate to http://www.filenetinfo.com/mk/submit/classifyop?_JS=true&sor=CatalystEmail3. You will need to fill out the form if you use this link.

If you find the classification module via the IBM search box, you get pointed to http://www-306.ibm.com/software/data/enterprise-search/classification/. I didn’t have to register again, but your mileage may vary.

In my review of the classification module, I didn’t see any notable changes since I last reviewed the product. My thought is that IBM is in the midst of a marketing campaign for document classifiction for people who have a copy of OmniFind, IBM’s search system.

I took a closer look, and I found the new thing. The previous version of this product was named IBM Classification Module for OmniFind Discovery Edition. The current version of this product is the IBM Classification Module”. The module is $1,500, a bargain when compared to the deep extraction system available from Attensity. Some investigation reveals that you need to have a license for other IBM content components. If you want IBM to install or customize the system, you can run up an interesting bill.

I recall pointing out in the first three editions of Enterprise Search Report that IBM software requires a bit of work to research. In fact, product naming and interdependencies that you may not be able to do this job alone. Don’t worry. IBM’s professional services are just a phone call away and available from IBM offices worldwide.

Oh, when you do a search for the “new” product name IBM Classification Module, the top rated link is to an order form that is different from the one displayed by navigating to the main product page. The first page of the 3,622 results did not point to the new product page.

It’s a job for OmniFind Discovery Edition all right.

Stephen Arnold, May 30, 2008

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