So, as a new years resolution, I have decided to be more active in linked in discussions. Some people tend to comment on something, but then no one ever chimes in, and all threads get old. At least, this is true for the groups that I am a member of…
So, I decided, I would comment on the following topic regarding document management software:
LinkedInDocumentManagementUser: Why does most scanning or capture software have fixed database tables for indexing data instead of using a flexible XML schema for what is ultimately transient metadata?
Well, seems like an easy enough topic, so why not throw my hat in with the following:
Koopa: My guess is that most scanning and capturing software was developed prior to XML schema and they haven’t modernized the code yet. 
Would love to see it though!
I thought that my comment was spiffy enough, but I may have insulted him as he replied back with the following information.
LinkedInPissedOffDocumentManagementUser: Yes I believe you are correct all the currently accepted ‘Enterprise’ class platforms for document imaging, scanning and document capture were originally designed and developed in the late 90′s. There are few newer ones out there like PSI, KnowledgeLake for SharePoint and others. the other interesting play is companies like Drop Box and Box.net providing online document archives / collaboration. Thoughts?
Well, needless to say, I am going to throw the towel on this conversation, due to the fact that I am not familiar with ANY of the document management software he has mentioned, or do I consider myself a document management expert. All I know is that most software was written before XML came out and it costs money to update the code.
Sometimes you just gotta know when to bow out and go home…