Ixos launches XML-based document portal

German e-document firm, Ixos Software, has unveiled its Ixos-eCon online document portal for inter-enterprise systems, but a leading analyst has already warned the company it needs to stay focussed or risk losing out to Microsoft.

Ixos-eCon is based on Java and uses XML as a document platform. The portal allows documents to be shared, edited and reviewed globally.

But Adam Pelz-Sharpe, senior consultant at Ovum, said: "Document management companies that have a strong vertical market focus should sharpen up their act and remain there - the enterprise is no longer for them. Microsoft will come in and clean up."

Pelz-Sharpe said that when Microsoft Exchange 2000 arrives it will have similar capabilities to Ixos' product. He added that although it has taken Microsoft a long time to come up with the product, it will deliver a good solution.

Andreas Helios, sales and industry marketing director at Ixos, played done the threat from Seattle. Citing a "good working relationship" with Microsoft, Helios said: "Microsoft normally comes in and buys a product that will assist any products they have."

Like the Ixos product, Microsoft Exchange and Outlook can archive data to a server without the end-user knowing. The archiving can be done automatically in line with an IT department's requirements.

Pelz-Sharpe said IT directors will not accept automatic archiving with open arms. "IT directors are not comfortable with work being taken away from them," he added.

But Willy Sohngen, executive board member at Ixos, disagreed. He said: "IT directors have plenty on their plate to manage. We are just making life easier for them."