Comspec Unites Document Management and WorkFlow with Centrix Bridge.

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 25, 1998--Comspec Corp. Thursday announced the release of Centrix Bridge(TM) a unique, intelligent software bridge which seamlessly unites two industry leading document management and workflow products.

The initial production installation is scheduled for August. Centrix Bridge creates a transparent link between Documentum's document management system and InConcert's workflow products. The active connection allows users to access the most compelling features of both applications all through a single, familiar interface.

In operation, Centrix Bridge provides a single, synchronized point of access to document repositories managed by Documentum and to process-centric workflows created with InConcert. Now users can participate in the creation and modification of complex documents as well as view the progress of work as it flows across the enterprise.

A key feature of Centrix Bridge is its use of existing application interfaces. Centrix Bridgeenhances the Documentum or InConcert interface instead of replacing it. This strategy significantly reduces training time because the end user does not have to learn an entirely new application interface.

"In the past, document management users and workflow users often performed parallel processes, and in some cases had overlapping functionality," Michael Slatter, Comspec president, said in making the announcement. "Now, when the enterprise work process requires both advanced adaptive workflow and document management, the power of the two can be combined under a single user interface."

Before Centrix Bridge, customers using both InConcert and Documentum were unable to create or participate in cross-application processes. Information objects stored in the Documentum repository were unavailable to workflow users, while high-end adaptive workflow and process management remained closed to Documentum users. Centrix Bridge makes both applications and their resources available to the entire enterprise.

"Centrix Bridge is a unique product which goes beyond the capabilities of most offerings in the emerging 'processware' software category," Slatter said. "Most processware requires a significant change in or a completely new user interface to support simultaneous use of two disparate applications such as an MRP application and a document management system. Centrix Bridge, on the other hand, forms an intelligent, server-level alliance using the existing customer interface. It's not just a link, it's more of a marriage."

The Bridge product is not limited to InConcert and Documentum. The product architecture is designed to allow other similar applications to be plugged into the mix, Slatter said.

Centrix Bridge is the first product in the Centrix(TM) suite developed by Comspec. The Centrix suite includes Centrix Image(TM) and Centrix Web(TM) and will be followed by additional integrated enterprise products such as Centrix Print(TM). Centrix Image is the integrated document imaging component of the suite while Centrix Web provides application access through standard web browsers. Centrix Print will provide enhanced access to high-volume Xerox printers.

Some key features of Centrix Bridge include the ability to: -- Update data objects used by both workflow and document management processes. When changes occur, adjustments and synchronizations are automatically made on a continuing basis.

-- Coordinate the establishment of client sessions with the InConcert and Documentum servers.

-- Process and redirect exceptions generated by either server. -- Handle document locking transactions so document locks placed in one server are placed or released by the other.

-- Maintain security for server access, transactions and documents by coordinating restrictions imposed by either Documentum or InConcert.

Centrix Bridge intercepts, reads and then passes along commands issued at the client workstation. Commands intended strictly for the document management server pass through unchanged, as do commands intended solely for the workflow server. Commands requiring action by both the workflow and document management server are coordinated and synchronized by the Bridge.

The first installation of Centrix Bridge is scheduled for a major manufacturer with a requirement for both enterprise document management and adaptive workflow. The client requirement that led to the selection of Centrix Bridge was the need to unite both applications to streamline the manufacturing process and gain additional functionality from existing application installations.

Comspec Corp. is a developer and system integrator headquartered in Salt Lake City, (http://www.comspeccorp.com). Centrix Bridge was developed after a series of exploratory discussions with potential customers and a wide ranging market research program had demonstrated a substantial need for the product.

InConcert Inc., (http://www.inconcert.com), a Xerox New Enterprise company located in Cambridge, Mass., develops and markets sophisticated work and process management software applications to a wide variety of companies and industries.

Documentum Inc., Pleasanton, Calif., (http://www.documentum.com) develops, markets and supports a family of enterprise document management products that improve the effectiveness of organizations.

    CONTACT: Comspec Corp., Salt Lake City
              Thomas Brown, 801/484-0184
                       Fax: [phone]
               Email: [e-mail]