Tuesday, January 25, 2011

EMC, IBM, and Microsoft Team Up to Improve Enterprise CMS Interoperability

EMC, IBM, and Microsoft have been working together to develop a specification which uses Web Services and Web 2.0 interfaces to enable applications to inter operate with multiple Enterprise Content Management (ECM) repositories by different vendors. The companies intend to submit the Content Management Interoperability Services specification to OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards) for advancement through its rigorous standards development process.

The ultimate goal of CMIS is to dramatically reduce the IT burden around multi-vendor, multi-repository content management environments. Currently, customers must spend valuable time and money to create and maintain custom integration code and one-off integrations to get different ECM systems within their organizations to "talk" to one another. The specification will also benefit independent software vendors (ISVs) by enabling them to create specialized applications that are capable of running over a variety of content management systems.


Working together since late 2006, the three companies were joined in the creation of the CMIS draft specification by other leading software providers including: Alfresco Software, OpenText, Oracle and SAP. A final gathering of all seven companies was recently held to validate interoperability of the specification before submission to OASIS.


EMC, IBM, and Microsoft have been working together to develop a specification which uses Web Services and Web 2.0 interfaces to enable applications to inter operate with multiple Enterprise Content Management (ECM) repositories by different vendors. The companies intend to submit the Content Management Interoperability Services specification to OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards) for advancement through its rigorous standards development process.

Key to the new specification, EMC, IBM and Microsoft worked together to define an interface that:

• Is designed to work over existing repositories enabling customers to build and leverage applications against multiple repositories—unlocking content they already have
• De-couples web services and content from the content management repository, enabling customers to manage content independently
• Provides common web services and Web 2.0 interfaces to dramatically simplify application development
• Is development platform and language agnostic
• Supports composite application development and mash-ups by the business or IT analyst
• Grows the ISV and developer community

For more information, and to download a preview copy of the CMIS technical specification draft, please visit the IBM or Microsoft web sites or contact info@portfordsolutions.com today

Hosted Document Management Solutions

Portford Solutions and EMC Software is pleased to announce the availability of subscription based ApplicationXtender software licensing to our industry leading suite of hosted services. Over the last few years a growing number of customers have benefited from securely managing their documents and data via "the cloud" powered by Portford's state-of-the-art data center. ApplicationXtender is an ideal hosted solution for customers that require an instant document management solution that minimizes the costs and risks of paper while increasing productivity by streamlining the capture and management of documents. ApplicationXtender scans, stores, retrieves, and preserves information, while providing role-based access from either a desktop interface or web browser. A hosted ApplicationXtender document management solution can instantly provide your organization with the following benefits.

• Unlimited points of secure access
• Predictable monthly operating costs
• Infinite salability
• Automatic upgrades to the latest versions of AX
• Minimal internal technical resources and infrastructure
• Quick deployment and instant results

Portford's hosted document management solutions are a perfect compliment to our quality document conversion services. For customers that use Portford's document scanning and hosting services, all it takes is an email or phone call to schedule a pick up of boxes or legacy file formats. The next days documents can be accessed securely via the web. This can be an ideal solution for organizations lacking the IT and records management resources required to implement an end to end document management solution internally. Hosted services customers can opt to bring their hosted solution in-house at any point after the first year without penalty or data transfer charge. Portford's dedicated technical support staff can work with your IT department to export documents and data or even deliver all hosted content via sFTP or external drive.

Hosting Services are a perfect solution for organizations that are quickly outgrowing their IT infrastructure or simply looking for a quick and cost effective way of securely managing documents and information between remote offices. Contact your dedicated Portford account representative today to discuss how hosting can improve your business.

For more information on Portford's Hosting Services email info@portfordsolutions.com today.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Outsourced Device Tracking - 21 CFR Part 821

Portford Solutions Introduces DocuNECT for Device Tracking

Medical Device manufacturers are required by the FDA to track certain types of devices from manufacture through the distribution chain. The FDA released 21 CFR Part 821, which governs the requirements around the tracking process.

In response, Portford has developed DocuNECT, a web-based Device Tracking solution that is available in two ways:
  • On-Site: Software implemented behind your firewall
  • Hosted: A SaaS model where you can pay monthly

In addition, Portford also offers a complete managed service that combines the SaaS model with our call-center of trained device tracking specialists that will manage the entire process. Our services begin with fully documented policies and procedures that aid with FDA compliance.

Each client is allowed to customize the workflow to meet the profile of your device or specific needs. The operations team then follows these policies and procedures and conduct regular audits to verify compliance. We have a wide variety of reports and reporting methods which employ industry standards and tools.

Click here to save the January 27, 2011 WebEx meeting in your Outlook Calendar or contact: info@portfordsolutions.com for more information about new product features or join us for a WebEx demonstration on January 27, 2011 at 10:15 am PST.

What Devices Need Tracking
The FDA mandates organizations to track the following medical devices:
  • Glenoid Fossa Prosthesis
  • Mandibular Condyle prosthesis
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Prosthesis
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Stent Grafts
  • Automatic Implantable Cardioverter / Defibrillator
  • Cardiovascular Permanent Implantable Pacemaker Electrode
  • Implantable Pacemaker Pulse Generator
  • Replacement Heart Valve (Mechanical only)
  • Implanted Cerebellar Stimulator
  • Implanted Diaphragmatic / Phrenic Nerve Stimulator
  • Implantable Infusion Pumps
  • Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants
  • Cultured Epidermal Autografts

Customer Challenges
The FDA released 21 CFR Part 821, which governs the requirements around the tracking process. The regulations were released in August, 1993 which has allowed a number of companies to become familiar with the regulation of data that needs to be collected and the follow-up processes that are required to insure reasonable attempts to obtain the data.

In practical terms managing Device Tracking comes with its own set of challenges. They include:
FDA Regulatory / Compliance
  • Risk Due to Lost Data
  • Inconsistent Follow Up

Multiple Systems and Technologies
  • Located in Many Locations
  • Incompatible Formats
  • Lack of Technical Resources

No Consistent Protocols and Processes
  • Lack of Information Control
  • Privacy Concerns
  • Require Heavy Customization

Lack of Reporting Tools
  • No Strategic Dashboard
  • Obsolete Reports
  • Lack of Audit Trail

Labor Intensive
  • Overly Manual Intervention Required
  • Lack of Facility Space
  • Lack of Audit Trail to Focus on Core Competency

How do you feel your organization measures up when it comes to efficiencies gained through outsourcing your Device Tracking? Contact Portford today to discuss best practices in your industry and identify how your business processes can be improved.

DocuNECT Features
DocuNECT is a robust and versatile option for your Device Tracking needs. Our services begin with fully documented policies and procedures that aid with FDA compliance!

Each client is allowed to customize the workflow to meet the profile of your device or specific needs. The operations team then follows these policies and procedures and conduct regular audits to verify compliance.

Benefits of DocuNECT for Device Tracking include:
  • Facilitates FDA Compliance
  • Proven Validated System

One Centralized System
  • One Hosted Location
  • On-line Access 24/7/365
  • Dedicated Technical Staff

Validated System Designed Specifically for Medical Device Tracking
  • Automated Workflow Ensures Consistent Patient Data Follow-Up Process
  • Compliant Solution 21 CFR Part 11 Electronic Signatures Enabled
  • Patient Data Management According to HIPAA Guidelines
    Managed Tools Include
  • Management Dashboard
  • Real Time Reporting
  • Audit and Reconciliation

Managed Workflow Include
  • Automated Faxing In / Out
  • Predetermined Review and Escalation
  • Dedicated Scanning and Indexing Center

Contact info@portfordsolutions.comto learn more about DocuNECT for Device Tracking.