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There are two typical responses:

Which response are you?

I hope you are closer to #2 that #1. However, if you are firmly in the camp of #1 today that's OK … for now. But, be warned. If you are a system integrator or even an ISV you are leaving money on the table and allowing your competition to get a foot in the door.

This is especially true if you are in the SharePoint space. Most system integrators in SharePoint arena focus on the document management and the workflow aspects of the ECM system. What I call Pillars 2 and 3. There is an opportunity to help your customers manage their paper based assets. Both at Document Capture (aka scan) time and for the Storage steps. Scan time is what I call Pillar One and Storage is what I call Pillar Four.

What do I mean?

The goal of a paperless office is probably just that … a goal.

However, there are process efficiencies that can be brought to the forefront. The smart system integrators are starting to get this. The smart ISV’s are starting the get this too and are adding front end capture components – either directly or through partnerships to their applications.

What would I like to see?

I'd like to get people acting like #2 and shouting "Awesome” when the walk into a file room. I’d like to see customers and partners helping to drive paper and process inefficiencies out of their business. In the end will the paper all go away? I doubt it, but it’s a worthwhile goal and one that can create significant benefits for the business.

What do you think?

• When you want into a File Room are you a #1 or a #2?
• Does your company need help managing your paper based assets?(note: Paper is an Asset)
• Will paper ever go completely away? (as my friend Dan Leach said today … there is no paper on Star Trek … so there is hope for the future)