SoftLanding Systems, the IBM i software division of Unicom Global, has launched Columbus, an enterprise content management solution for Power Systems.

Columbus was developed by Macro 4, Unicom’s document management arm, and runs on IBM i, AIX or Linux. It takes output from existing apps, including spool and data files, transforms it into new digital formats and presents it within an in-built online portal. The portal permits secure web and mobile access for internal staff, customers and business partners.

SoftLanding’s operations manager, Jim Fisher, reckons that many firms find adapting core business applications to work with new digital channels highly complex and time consuming.

Fisher says: “Using Columbus, you can web-enable existing invoices, statements and delivery notes for e-invoicing, for example, without having to overhaul the existing IBM i finance applications.

“To improve customer service, a wide range of customer documents can be made accessible online – both to internal staff and externally to support customer self-service. Business reports and ERP documents can also be turned into new digital formats, allowing wider access to enterprise information both to improve collaboration and to help streamline processes.”