What is CMIS?

CMIS (Content Management Interoperability Services) is an open standard that enables interoperability between content management systems (CMS). The standard is managed by the OASIS organization (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards).

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The Purpose and Objectives of CMIS

CMIS provides a unified application programming connector (API) that allows different CMSs to communicate with each other. The aim is to help companies manage their content more efficiently in heterogeneous IT landscapes. Instead of developing proprietary integrations for each CMS, CMIS enables standardized interaction via a common connector.

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Key features of CMIS

1. Protocol autonomy: CMIS supports various protocols, e.g.:some text
   1. SOAP (for complex service calls)
   2. REST/AtomPub (for simple web access)
2. Standardized operations: CMIS defines operations for basic content management functions such as:some text
   1. Retrieving documents or folders
   2. Creating, editing and deleting content
   3. Performing queries using stored metadata
3. Repository interoperability: CMIS provides access to content from various repository types, such as ELO, Alfresco, SharePoint or OpenText.
4. Query language: CMIS includes a SQL-like query language (CMIS Query Language, CQL) for searching for content based on metadata.

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Typical use cases

• Migration of content: It is easier to transfer content between different CMS.
• Integration of systems: Systems such as document management (DMS), web CMS and ERP systems can be integrated with each other.
• Development of frontends: CMIS enables developers to build platform-independent user connectors that work with different backend systems.

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Benefits

• Platform independence
• Simplified integration and migration
• Avoiding vendor lock-in

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Limitations

• CMIS only covers basic functions and does not support complex CMS-specific features.
• Different implementations can sometimes lead to incompatibilities.

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How does the ELO CMIS Connector work?

The ELO CMIS connector is characterized by the fact that it combines the specific functionalities of the ELO ECM system (Enterprise Content Management) with the advantages of the open standard CMIS. ELO thus offers a standardized way to share content from its system with other applications and platforms without being limited to proprietary APIs.

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Special features of the ELO CMIS Connector

1. CMIS standard compliance: The connector implements the protocols specified by CMIS (REST/AtomPub and SOAP). This enables platform-independent communication between ELO and other CMIS-compatible systems.
2. Integration in the ELO ECM:some text
   • Enables access to the contents and functions of the ELO repository, such as folders, documents, and metadata.
   • Supports the hierarchical structure of the ELO system (similar to a file and folder structure).
3. Standardized content and operations: The ELO CMIS Connector supports common CMIS operations such as:some text
   • Retrieving documents and folders
   • Creating new content (e.g. uploading files)
   • Editing metadata and versions
   • Searching content using CMIS Query Language (CQL)
   • Deleting elements
4. Extension for ELO-specific features: In addition to the standard functions of the CMIS protocol, the ELO CMIS connector also integrates advanced features that are tailored to specific features of the ELO system, for example:some text
   • Version management
   • Workflow integration (at least partially, depending on the implementation)
   • Support for ELO-specific metadata fields
5. Easy system integration: The ELO CMIS connector makes it easy to integrate the ELO ECM into other enterprise applications, such as ERP, CRM, or project management systems, provided they support CMIS.
6. Flexible access options: The connector allows access via:some text
   • Web protocols: REST or SOAP
   • User-friendly API definitions that make it easier for developers to access content.

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Typical applications

• Cross-system document management: Content from the ELO system can be displayed or edited in other CMIS-compatible applications (e.g. Alfresco, SharePoint).
• Automation of business processes: The connector enables data exchange between ELO and ERP or workflow systems.
• Document migration: Content can be more easily moved or synchronized between ELO and other systems using the CMIS connector.

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Advantages of the ELO CMIS Connector

• Interoperability: Seamlessly connects ELO with other systems that support the CMIS standard interface.
• Standardized API: Provides an open connector that is easy to document and implement.
• Flexibility: Allows for different access options (e.g. web services) and usage scenarios.
• Reduced integration effort: No need to develop specific ELO APIs for each application.

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Limitations

• Functional limitations of CMIS: Since CMIS is primarily designed for basic content management functions, some ELO-specific features (e.g. complex workflows or ELO automations) may only be available to a limited extent.
• Performance: Performance limitations may occur with very large amounts of data or complex queries, especially when accessing data via CMIS standard protocols.
• Limitations of special features: Not all ELO-specific features (such as deeper integrations into internal modules) are fully mapped by CMIS.

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Summary

The ELO CMIS connector is a powerful addition for organizations that want to integrate the ELO ECM into a heterogeneous IT landscape. It enables the use of the open CMIS standard and reduces the effort required for integration and data exchange with other systems.

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Support with implementing the ELO CMIS Connector

The introduction and integration of a CMIS connector often raises important questions: Where should the connector be hosted? How does the CMIS Query Language work in detail? What does the CMIS standard cover, and which areas leave room for customization? We are here to support you with our experience so that you don't have to start from scratch or make common mistakes.

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Support for the ELO CMIS interface connector

With over five years of experience in implementing the ELO CMIS interface in various projects, Sly AG offers sound support for your endeavors. Whether it's developing a suitable architecture, providing targeted advice, or actively implementing your project, we ensure that your integration is efficient and of the highest quality.

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Hosting and operation of the ELO CMIS connector

We have extensive experience in hosting and operating the ELO CMIS interface in different environments. Whether on Windows or Linux, in Kubernetes distributions, on-premises or in the cloud, we support you in selecting the appropriate infrastructure and assist you with implementation.

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