•#Open-source applications: This is an option if you are extremely price-sensitive and do not have very extensive or complex needs. In most cases, an open-source application will require further customization to meet your requirements.

•#Corporate portal software: These instant, out-of-the-box solutions can be built upon to create content management software that fits your needs. This is a quick and easy solution for smaller businesses, but does not meet the needs of large businesses.

•#Commercial content management software: Many vendors produce packages for medium-sized and large organizations. They tend to have a complete suite of features, and many industry developers are familiar with them.

Before you decide to develop or purchase a system:

•#Assess additional component requirements: Check whether there will be additional hardware or software requirements to make the system work with your current software portfolio. Factor this into your cost analysis.

•#Determine whether you need open applications: Remember that there is both an upside and downside to open framework software. While it is able to accommodate broader sets of requirements, it can be more expensive to build it out.

•#Examine need for post-purchase customization: Find out whether you will have to carry out post-purchase customization. If so, factor this into your cost analysis.

•#Understand company-specific needs: Make sure you fully understand the value of the business process to your company. Look at company size, locations involved, the value of tangible savings, benefits, integration with other business applications, ease of implementation and data migration issues.