EMC Documentum to the Cloud
November 3, 2011
I read “EMC Pushes Documentum into the Cloud.” EMC Documentum is a big dog content management system. On premises installations can be complicated, expensive, and frustrating to procurement professionals. Just ask some of the folks in the US Senate whom I overheard grousing several years ago at a fast food joint.
The cloud allegedly solves the on premises obstacle course. For me, however, the most interesting passage was this one:
We have heard more and more about user dissatisfaction with our user front-ends,” Devenuti said on stage. “It was a ‘build versus buy’ decision, and today I’m pleased to announce we’ve acquired the technology assets of C6, which has been a great partner of ours for a number of years. The C6 technology is designed to let customers quickly configure and modify EMC’s software, rather than having to write a plethora of extensions. The first fruit of the arrangement is the interface for the Documentum D2 web app.
My take on this interface issue strikes at the core of the challenges enterprise applications are working to resolve. Users don’t want to learn complicated interfaces. In the US, workers under 23 often cannot learn complicated applications. The reason the iPad apps are surging is a reminder that among some users, simplicity is next to godliness.
But will a shift to the cloud and a snazzy interface make EMC Documentum the content management system that nukes the open source crowd, the silly little blogger systems, and the other wild and wonderful commercial content management solutions?
I don’t think so. Four reasons:
First, slapping a clown face on a lecturer in finite math does not make the subject “easier” for the person who cannot figure out d=rt.
Second, the on premises complexity comes from the system and the nature of content. Moving one part to the cloud leaves the nasty content bit. Some call it governance, but I call it a problem that the cloud cannot easily resolve.
Third, Federal regulations give Documentum a baked in market. In a sense, these folks have no choice, so interfaces, clouds, whatever. You want an approved drug, figure it out. For other markets, there is lots of competition.
Fourth, until one pushes around big chunks of enterprise content in a regulated environment, the notion of parking content “out there” may not be too appealing. It is not cost. It is not complexity. It is the downside of muffing the bunny on a multi-million dollar investment. For pharma and a handful of other industries, there might be some upside to having data down the hall.
Here in Harrod’s Creek, we don’t have much in the way of clinical trials work. In fact, we don’t know much about content management. We leave that to the “real” consultants, many of whom have deep expertise in modern poetry, baking cookies, and flip flopping about the value of the cloud.
One hopes the use of open source search will deliver results more relevant than those output from the Fast Search & Transfer technology, which we thought we had heard was once used in the Documentum system.
Net net: Interface does alter complexity. A change in interface evidence that change is needed. Keep pushing.
Stephen E Arnold, November 3, 2011
Sponsored by Pandia.com
The Gartner Cloud Flip Flop
November 3, 2011
Hey, if it sells, it must be right. A big flip-flop by a major IT consultant concerning public vs. private cloud services is screaming “opportunism” to me.
Gartner, a global technology research company, recently asserted that “enterprises should consider public cloud services first and turn to private clouds only if the public cloud fails to meet their needs.” This has not always been the opinion of Gartner. “Gartner Flip-Flop: Try the Public Cloud First” on InfoWorld tells us more:
At the core of this advice was the fact you should first consider your requirements and the objectives for using cloud computing before you move existing systems to the clouds or create new systems. Don’t jump right to private clouds just because they solve the problem that IT has with letting go; instead, look to the value of public cloud computing first. If it’s not a fit, then go private. But in all cases, let the business requirements drive you, not the hype.
Seems to me that Gartner is chasing revenue by flip-flop. Changing from public to private means you wouldn’t necessarily have to buy and maintain your own software, but you would have to keep up with payments more regularly. The pay-as-you-go economics of public clouds, in addition to the fact that these services are gaining popularity in areas of sales automation, customer service, accounting and expense management, is a pretty obvious explanation for the change of heart.
And search? Obviously search is better from the cloud. Toss in an app and one doesn’t have to do research to make predictions.
Andrea Hayden, November 3, 2011
Sponsored by Pandia.com
Watson Does Big Data Plus Game Shows
November 3, 2011
And why not? Watson is IBM’s magical solution to Lucene’s unexciting key word search functionality. Oh, Lucene is under the hood, but the Watson system is much, much more sophisticated. And Watson can do “big data.” We are not sure what that means, but it is a game show system, right?
A new software initiative has IBM cheerleading for Watson and analytics. Yahoo! News reports that “IBM Unveils New ‘Big Data’ Tools.” The new tools, aimed at the healthcare, marketing, and other industries, are built partially around components IBM acquired with its purchases of Netezza and Cognos. The healthcare analytics, though, were grown from supercomputer Watson’s legendary artificial intelligence. IBM’s Watson, of course, became famous for beating Jeopardy!’s all-time biggest (human) winner in February 2011.
Of the new applications, writer Barry Levine explains:
The new software tools are intended to make a difference in a business environment that is awash with data. IBM said 90 percent of the world’s data, including information generated by sensors, mobile devices, online transactions and social networks, has been created within the past two years. . . . [The software] allows users to analyze unstructured data from such sources as social networks, mobile devices and sensors, as well as structured data in databases.
Based on Hadoop, IBM InfoSphere BigInsights will be accessed via the IBM SmartCloud Enterprise. A basic free version is available, but the company hopes businesses will subscribe to the priced-by-the-hour enterprise version.
An added twist is the availability of a location-aware analytics tool, IBM Cognos Mobile, that will be available for free to mobile devices. I think that might just turn out to be the most exciting part. Will IBM tackle another game show or just stick with demonstrations to future Harvard MBAs.
Cynthia Murrell November 3, 2011
Sponsored by Pandia.com
Spotlight: Mindbreeze and the SharePoint Vision
November 3, 2011
We read CMSWire’s “What is SharePoint 2010? Vision and Reality.” Overall we think that the article hits the highlights of Microsoft’s very popular content management system.
We found the “six pillars of SharePoint” in line with our understanding of the software system. In our work, we have implemented collaborative functions, portals, content management, business forms, search, and business intelligence. We noted this passage in particular:
In the 2010 release Microsoft greatly improved the functionality for creating and managing business documents. Organizations typically have two types of content: documents and information used to complete tasks and activities, and records. Records differ from the previous category in that they are documents and information that must be frozen and stored for compliance and/or regulatory purposes.
We agree and we think that this functionality can be greatly enhanced with third party components.
Of particular importance to us at Mindbreeze is search. We agree that Microsoft has made strides in its SharePoint search. However, there are important benefits that accrues to users of the Mindbreeze system. For example, Mindbreeze search includes the InApp functionality. The idea is that Mindbreeze seamlessly handles structured and unstructured information and data. Our focus is on third parties who need tools that streamline certain customized implementations for SharePoint.
Mindbreeze told us:
The new development of a highly scalable and likewise high-performance search costs a lot of time, resources and money. With Fabasoft Mindbreeze InApp software manufacturers, providers, integrators and developers can profit from the already proven Fabasoft Mindbreeze technology with very little effort.
Fabasoft Mindbreeze provides internationally awarded search technology which has been tried and tested by many users and can be simply integrated into any application. The download package includes the proven architecture, the optimized index component, the filter as well as the Fabasoft Mindbreeze – Web Client and the Fabasoft Mindbreeze – Embedded Client along with the SDK and the associated Eclipse project.
In short, Mindbreeze extends and enhances a developer’s ability to tailor SharePoint to the specific requirements of the client. The tools can be used to build complete, snap in applications for SharePoint as well as Linux systems.
Mindbreeze, a unit of the highly regarded Fabasoft organization, delivers a platform independent development platform. It provides high scalability and includes Fabasoft’s personal support.
To extend and customize SharePoint without some of the technical implementation hurdles, take a look at the Mindbreeze InApp development solution.
Stuart Schram, November 3, 2011
Sponsored by Pandia.com
Google and TV
November 3, 2011
Last year, we worked on a project about Google’s rich media plans. We uncovered a number of interesting initiatives, including a wild and crazy plan to provide back office services to those who would make motion pictures. Alas, that information is part of our for fee service. We can, however, offer several observations based on the announcement that Google is cutting deals for original content. The idea is that YouTube.com will become the next big thing in television, cable, entertainment, etc.
It’s the new face of search at Google: browsing for shows. PhysOrg.com reveals the company’s plans for a key asset in “YouTube Making Deals for Original Content: Report.” Discussing a recent Wall Street Journal article, the write-up reports that YouTube will soon announce content-producing partnerships with media companies and celebrities:
The Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, said expected media partners include IAC/InterActiveCorp.’s Electus, News Corp.’s ShineReveille unit, RTL Group’s FremantleMedia Ltd., skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and “CSI” creator Anthony Zuiker.
An interesting collection; I think we can look forward to some innovative new programming here. Probably some flops, too. Maybe lots of flops. The approach triggered three ideas or thoughts:
- Throw lots of content out “there” and see what works
- Googlers have a non consumer approach in many of their products and services and this play is the very opposite of some competitors’ angle of attack
- How will some of these high profile individuals produce content to fill a “channel”. Video takes time, money, and, oh, did I mention time.
YouTube, bought by Google in 2006, is the king of amateur video. However, it is up against some real powerhouses in the professional arena. Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, and iTunes are all fighting tooth and nail for digital domination. The “real” television industry is in the game for keeps too just like the nice people sitting around pools in Los Angeles May the best streamer win!
And search? Hmmm.
Cynthia Murrell November 2, 2011
Sponsored by Pandia.com
SharePoint and Its Sometimes Interesting Costs
November 3, 2011
SharePoint is touted as the ultimate solution to content management and collaboration for enterprises. Microsoft, however, never discusses the costs associated with their software, except for how it’s cost effective and overtime will save your business money. But is that true? Redmondmag.com posted an enlightening article about the hidden costs involved in a SharePoint project, “Study: SharePoint Costs High Due to Inadequate Skills.”
A study conducted by the Azaleos Corp. discovered that the average cost to run SharePoint per user is $46/month. Using Microsoft Exchange proved to be cheaper at $15-15/month per user. SharePoint users also cited downtime as the most common problem.
“The downtime mostly stemmed from hardware errors or mistakes made by IT team members. Those problems caused average monthly management costs for SharePoint to double to around $90 per user per month. Almost half (43 percent) of study respondents pointed to “a lack of administrator skills, training, and knowledge as an inhibitor to efficiently leveraging SharePoint.”
SharePoint is still a young piece of software with a manifest destiny for its future. Its problems are many, but there are a lot of third party solutions to resolve them. At the end of the article, Azaleos Corp. advertises it’s AzaleosX app to help increase uptime.
We believe that you may want to take a close look at the cost effective search and content processing solution from SurfRay. Contain costs and improve user satisfaction with one snap in for SharePoint.
Whitney Grace, November 3, 2011
SurfRay
HighWire Press and TEMIS Hook Up
November 2, 2011
HIghWire Press, a hosting and web publishing platform service, and TEMIS, a provider of Semantic Content Enrichment solutions, announced recently that the two companies will be entering into a strategic business partnership.
What’s this mean? HighWire will be integrating the full suite of Luxid software within its ePublishing Platform, further enabling discoverability, leveraging the company’s relationship with Google. A press release from the company, “HighWire Press Partners With TEMIS to Semantically Enrich Publisher’s Content,” tells us more:
End users have become much more sophisticated in their online information requirements and are demanding easier and more efficient ways of locating the most relevant information. Furthermore, publishers need to strengthen and differentiate their value proposition in order to increase customer satisfaction and retention. They are looking for ways to increase the value derived from their content by creating innovative online products targeted at specific professional audiences. Semantic content enrichment has become the strategic means to achieve these objectives.
This will be a highly valuable tool for publishers who will be able to use the platform to develop new products and deliver them; the publishing community will expand with the use of semantics. Interesting concept, but do publishers constitute a “growing” market?
Our opinion? We think that publishers are likely to have even more search and content processing vendors sell them solutions which will revolutionize their business. One can only hope.
Andrea Hayden, November 2, 2011
Sponsored by Pandia.com
Predicting Stocks. Become a Billionaire.
November 2, 2011
Web search and the stock market? MIT’s Technology Review examines the correlation in “Web Search Queries Predict Stock Market Trading Volumes.”
We’ve known that online searches can reflect real-world events; for example, searches about the flu parallel the spread of the flu and colds. The connection between Yahoo! queries and the stock market, unearthed by Matthieu Cristelli at the Institute of Complex Systems in Rome and his associates, seems a bit less straight forward:
“They say the volume of search queries related to companies on the NASDAQ-100 are correlated with the volumes of trades in those same companies in the following days. That’s surprising because Cristelli and co say that most web users check each stock of interest just once per month. This implies that they are not expert traders. So the effect emerges from the collective but uncoordinated activity of many inexpert users–a kind of wisdom crowds. Just why this should be the case is a mystery.
In the case of the flu, sufferers can be expected to research their symptoms online. There’s no such straightforward connection between those inexpert users and trading trends. Writer KentuckyFC posits that search terms could reflect more immediate influences, such as news stories or advertising blitzes.
Cristelli submits that following these queries can be of use, particularly in predicting financial distress. Hmm, perhaps we could have used this a few years ago. We recall that Hakia made a splash with a similar assertion earlier this year. Watch for new members of the world’s richest people list from the search community.
Cynthia Murrell November 2, 2011
Sponsored by Pandia.com
Is Video the New Reading?
November 2, 2011
Something quite intriguing happened this fall, and chances are if you are reading this, you were probably involved.
Stats released by comScore Video Metrix showed that 182 million U.S. Internet users watched 39.9 billion videos in September; meaning 85.3 percent of the U.S. Internet audience watched online video content for an average of 19.5 hours per viewer. Search Engine Watch tells us more in the article, “85.3% of the U.S. Internet Audience Viewed Online Videos in September 2011”:
Google Sites, driven primarily by video viewing at YouTube.com, ranked as the top online video content property in September with 161 million unique viewers. Even the most watched network television prime-time broadcasts – including multiple Super Bowls, mini-series, series finales, special events, and regular television shows – haven’t reached that many Americans.
Amazing. And what were we watching? Jennifer Lopez, rap covers by children, people getting hurt, and other very worldly, intelligent pieces. It makes me very proud of our society. Hey, at least there wasn’t a funny cat video on the Top 40.
Video is becoming more accessible and easy to use online, but users need to remember that point-and-click and easy may not equal knowledge. The future of search is apparently mobile and touch – which we aren’t so sure about.
Perhaps Google isn’t so sure either? This might be the reason some Google executives are sending their children to the Waldorf school in Los Altos where computers are not used until the 8th grade. At this school – computers aren’t allowed in the classroom and are frowned upon being used at school.
The growing trend is discussed in the article, “Some Googlers Don’t Want Their Kids Using Google Products,” which tells us:
‘At Google and all these places, we make technology as brain-dead easy to use as possible,’ [Google executive Alan Eagle] told the Times.
So who are these ‘brain-dead’ users? The rest of us who cannot afford to spend over $17,000 a year on elementary school? The children in third world countries?
The school backs its methods with high rates of graduates going to college and gaining post graduate degrees – not for an instance thinking it could be the influence of the educated parents who would see this not happening as failure.”
I believe the video stats I cited earlier make it very clear that, like it or not, books are not exactly the future. What’s the future of search in a semi-literate video saturated world? Yikes.
Andrea Hayden, November 2, 2011
Sponsored by Pandia.com
Google, Search and Privacy
November 2, 2011
With all the excitement surrounding Google+, you may not even know about Google’s first social networking attempt, Buzz. Few noticed the failing service, particularly the privacy concerns being handled by the FTC.
We noticed.
The Federal Trade Commission announced it has finalized a settlement with Google. Complaints centered around Buzz, which created a social network out of people’s Gmail contacts. The Electronic Privacy Information Center filed a complaint, and the FTC took action. Google is now required to create a privacy program and submit to independent privacy audits for the next 20 years.
We learn more in the MediaPost News’ story, “FTC, Google Settle Buzz Privacy Case.” It tells us:
Google also promised that it will obtain people’s express consent before sharing their information more broadly than its privacy policy allowed at the time of collection… While Google has been the subject of several complaints by privacy advocates, this case marked the first time the FTC filed charges against the company. The FTC alleged that Google violated its own privacy policy and used deceptive tactics when it launched its social network Buzz.
Several Gmail users have filed lawsuits in addition to this action, a class-action suit settled with $8.5 million. Google announced earlier this month that it was going to end Buzz. Buzz is dead. We think that search may also be on its way out. Google is changing quickly, and like privacy, the notion of precision and recall is undergoing what I think of as revisionism.
Andrea Hayden, November 2, 2011
Sponsored by Pandia.com
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