Over the years, enterprise content management (ECM) has grown from a small departmental purchase to a major organizational platform decision. Traction in the space has especially been interesting in the last three to four years. Ask any “informed” analyst, consultant, even vendor and they can arguably agree that 2005 was the year of compliance, and 2006 was the year of consolidation.

However, 2007 was really interesting. Some would say organizations began realizing the power of social computing and collaboration—blogs, wikis, etc… But the majority probably would point to one particular topic —Microsoft SharePoint.

The Empire Strikes Back

In just a few short years Microsoft has become an important player in the ECM industry. In 2001, Microsoft released SharePoint Portal Server--an adequate collaborative and document management solution. In the summer of 2001, Microsoft also acquired nCompass Resolution--a web content management solution. The product was quickly re-branded Microsoft Content Management Server and became Microsoft’s entry into the CMS market.

Over the next two years, Microsoft released two product updates--MS CMS Server 2002 and SharePoint Server 2003. In 2006, Microsoft announced that SharePoint Portal Server 2003, CMS Server 2002, and additional ECM functionality would result in the new Office SharePoint Server 2007 product.

Russ Stalters, Director of Information & Records Management for BP America says MOSS’ quick rise shouldn’t be a big surprise.

“MOSS will continue to dominate the ECM market and start to eclipse some of the larger big players, says Stalters. “MOSS is getting the attention of many of the customers. Customers are more interested in learning what they can do with MOSS, what’s coming in the next version and less interested in hearing about the next version of [Brand X] application.

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