Enterprise Open Source Publishing
The publishing industry is experiencing dramatic changes that have forced companies to reexamine the way they operate, to put in place new processes and technologies to handle the requirements of publishing in the 21st century, and to evolve along with technology and the demands of an Internet reality.
Each year this industry generates vast amounts of digital content, and the total amount of content managed by publishers is growing at a seemingly exponential rate. The type of content produced and managed by publishers varies widely but may include digital images and photographs, audio files, electronic video, news and magazine articles, advertising copy and artwork, book-length transcripts, marketing materials, legal contracts, and much more. The task of organizing, managing, and archiving these digital assets across the enterprise can quickly become overwhelming.
At the same time, the publishing process itself has become more complex, varied, and demanding. To minimize the cost of production, publishers are incorporating content from external partners and suppliers, who play an increasingly important role in contributing to a companys hardcopy publications and its numerous Web sites. To maximize the value of their content, publishers are also looking toward new distribution channels and vehicles, such as cellular phones and other wireless devices. In fact, partners and advertisers expect publishers to take advantage of these distribution channels for penetrating a wider audience.
Finally, the demands of an audience accustomed to the Internet has driven companies to speed the publication process and cut time to market for finished products. Content becomes stale very quickly which puts further pressure on publishers. From textbook publishers who must ensure that history books are up to date, to magazine and newspaper publishers carrying breaking news from around the globe, traditional print publishers must not only incorporate the absolute latest information, but they must find new ways to convey that content to their readers.
