CIOL: Does one have to manually put these controls on every document that is uploaded into the Content Repository?

RK: No. In most cases the above usage rights are seamless and transparent to the up-loader of the document. Pre-defined credentials (i.e. the 4 W’s of the document) are assigned to folders inside the content repository.

Documents uploaded into the repository get automatically protected based on the folder in which they are placed. The credentials can be assigned to the folders by the system administrator or the owner of the folder (head of a group).

CIOL: What are the other benefits of integrating IRM with Content Repository?

RK: Security + Collaboration: The biggest benefit that IRM brings to content repositories is that security of downloaded documents can be ensured without compromising on the collaboration capabilities of content repositories.

Audit trail: IRM can audit trail the usage of the information once it leaves the repository. Authorized actions as well as unauthorized attempts can be tracked across enterprise boundaries. This not only help enterprises to adhere to regulatory and compliance frameworks like ISO, Sarbanes-Oxley & HIPPA for “unstructured” data but also helps in detecting suspicious activities on documents by unauthorized users.

Deprecation of documents: Documents could also be 'deprecated' such that access to old documents residing on desktops can be prevented.

Increase revenues: It increases revenues by preventing misuses, theft and leakage of 'paid' content.   

CIOL: What is future of IRM with Content Repositories? What developments can one expect in this space?

RK: Today, the requirement for persistent and content-level protection for information outside of the content repository makes IRM almost a necessary component of any content repository system. Moving beyond ECM and Workflow systems, the need for IRM technology is being seen in many other technologies, more generically in any system which stores information - e.g. - Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Core Banking Systems (CBS). In the near future IRM will be able to support many more document formats including proprietary file formats of a transaction system.  

CIOL: Apart from Content Repository, what other technologies can IRM compliment ?

RK: There are quite a few technologies that compliment IRM. A few of them are-

IRM + DLP: Data Loss Prevention (DLP) systems prevent unauthorized access to information classified as confidential by restricting the distribution by blocking removable media, emails, etc. All of this, however, is possible while information is within a 'perimeter' (desktop/network firewall). Also, in today’s collaborative world information needs to be shared on an ongoing basis. IRM extends the security of confidential information beyond the perimeters of desktop and network firewalls.
 
IRM + ERP: There is a constant upload and download of information in ERP systems. ERP systems cease to hold control on information as soon it leaves the the ERP server by way of download. By integrating with IRM, ERP can provide control on information even after it is out of the ERP system.

IRM + CBS: CBS generate reports for all the transactions that take place. These reports are downloaded on to desktops for offline viewing and analysis. IRM provides complete control on reports that have been downloaded from a CBS and prevents any misuse and customer information leakage. 

IRM + Antivirus: Antivirus technology shields data and other resources against malware, worms and viruses. Seclore FileSecure shields data from unauthorized access, data leakage, misuse and theft. By combining IRM with an anti virus / spyware / malware system it is possible to provide a single desktop / server security agent to the customer thus enhancing value and reducing administrative expenses.