Many people define ECM (Enterprise Content Management) in different ways like storing, retrieving, managing and organizing the documents (unstructured data) in a strategic way by maintaining the compliance, Below are the few definitions I think which are very near to meaning of what is ECM?

Definition by AIIM:

Enterprise Content Management (ECM) is the strategies, methods and tools used to capture, manage, store, preserve, and deliver content and documents related to organizational processes. ECM tools and strategies allow the management of an organization’s unstructured information, wherever that information exists.

Definition by Wiki:

Enterprise Content Management (ECM) is a formalized means of organizing and storing an organization’s documents, and other content, that relate to the organization’s processes. The term encompasses strategies, methods, and tools used throughout the lifecycle of the content.

Below are the factors which considered  for the need ECM Products and Development1. Using Best Practices to Manage

1. Easy way to Organize the Content and Metadata
2. Reduce the Cost to Company
3. Scaling the Application and Functionality
4. Increased Productivity and Efficiency
5. Minimizing the Risk

 

Other integrated components which work along the enterprise content management are:

1. Business process management or workflow engine
2. Image processing  or Imaging
3. Record Management
4. Web Content Management
5. Collaboration
6. Digital asset management

 

Evolution in Enterprise content Management

1. Cloud ECM  – SaaS or PaaS
2. Social ECM
3. Mobile ECM