Specifically, Oracle Documaker Enterprise Edition 12.1 promises the ability to create documents more quickly -- and with less IT assistance -- via several new software features.

One of the key enhancements is editable text areas in the work-in-process work flow. This lets users collaborate to create documents, contracts and agreements, while tracking all changes with a full audit trail.

"Organizations today are constantly seeking to make their business users more efficient and improve their overall operations," said Srini Venkatasanthanam, vice president for insurance products at Oracle. He said he expects the new features to expand the application's appeal to enterprise users.

A Slew of New Document Features

Beyond the editable text areas, Oracle Documaker Enterprise Edition's new features include enhanced Microsoft Word Add-In functionality. This aims to make it easier for users to move documents from Oracle Documaker to Microsoft Word and back again by preserving the design, formatting and output quality of the file.

According to Oracle, the Microsoft Word Add-In function also streamlines document review, both within and outside the company. Oracle offered an example of how a user might benefit from this utility -- navigating negotiated documents that involve multiple iterations and parties, many of whom work in Microsoft Word. Support for Microsoft Word 2010 and 2007 also gives business users more options to create and design documents.

Oracle Documaker Enterprise Edition 12.1 also offers Library Project Management that helps users streamline document management associated with new product releases. In addition, the library supports product-development best practices by providing role-based task and action prompts. One of the new action prompts is a notification to update associated documents as a product moves through development, review, testing and regulatory approval.

Finally, the new version also gives users a print review of a document package rather than just a single document view. Users can pull documents out of a batch run, preview, edit and approve them without interrupting the print run, helping to speed up production.

Printed Documents Still Relevant

Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT, said Oracle's Documaker 12.1 provides a well-considered answer to issues surrounding enterprise document management.

"The fact is that despite decades of technological innovation, printed documents still play critical roles in the vast majority of businesses and industries such as financial services," King told us. "Oracle's Documaker 12.1 offers the customers a solution that provides the means for blending both digital and physical document creation and management in new and valuable ways."