metadata, and the embedding of electronic signatures. When generated from electronic data, PDFs are resolution-independent and allow crisp reproduction at any scale. Open XML Paper Specification (OpenXPS): An XML specification, developed by Microsoft, describing the formats and rules for distributing, archiving, rendering, and processing XPS documents. Converters and viewers: Generates uniform formats to display (and output) information in different formats. Data compression: Reduces the storage space needed for pictorial information. Web syndication: Presents content in different formats, selections, and forms for multiple use in different forms for different purposes. Security technologies Security technologies are available for all ECM components. Electronic signatures are used when documents are sent and in scanning, to document full capture. Public key infrastructure is a basic electronic-signature technology, managing keys and certificates and checking signature authenticity. Other electronic signatures confirm the identity of the sender and the integrity of the sent data. Digital rights management and watermarking are used in content syndication and media asset management to manage and secure intellectual property rights and copyrights. Electronic watermarks, embedded in a file, protect use rights for Internet content. Distribution ECM is provided to users with a variety of output and distribution media: Internet Extranets Intranets Electronic business portals Employee portals Email Fax Data transfer in EDI, XML or other formats Mobile devices, such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants Data media, such as CDs and DVDs Digital television and other multimedia services Paper Methods On-premises ECM was developed as a software application which companies implemented on corporate networks; each company manages and maintains the ECM and the network devices storing the data. On-premises ECM systems may be customized for organizational needs. Since paper-document capture requires devices such as image scanners or multi-function devices, it is typically performed on-premises; however, it may be outsourced to service bureaus for high-volume scanning, indexing and return via web transfer or on CDs, DVDs or other external storage devices. Software as a service (SaaS) Software as a service ECM, also known as cloud computing, is user-accessible online on demand. Market development Before 2003, the ECM market was dominated by medium-sized independent vendors which fell into two categories: those who originated as document-management companies (Laserfiche, Saros, Documentum, docStar, Newgen, and OpenText) and began adding the management of other business content, and those who started as web content management providers (Interwoven, Vignette, and Stellent) tried to branch out into managing business documents and