SharePoint As a Platform for
Contract Management
Corridor Company, Inc. | www.corridorcompany.com | 888.377.9933
1
Microsoft SharePoint continues to experience unprecedented worldwide success as the world’s
leading Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system. In 2011, Microsoft reported that 78
percent of the Fortune 500 companies were using SharePoint, and 20,000 SharePoint users were
being added daily. With global popularity, a rich set of out-of-the-box features, and a vast
community of technologists and architects well versed in its use, it is the premier development
application for mission-critical business applications.
Recognizing these benefits as well as the economies of scale available to both Corridor and its
client base, Corridor selected SharePoint as the platform for its Business Applications including
our flagship Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) application.
With support for all aspects of the contract lifecycle, Corridor’s Contract Management App for
SharePoint or CM[.app]TM provides users with an enterprise-class application which can be
readily deployed. Using SharePoint as the foundation for a contract management solution affords
its users the following benefits:
Unmatched Global Scalability for worldwide deployments
Powerful Core Contract Management Capabilities including metadata and security
Various Delivery Options such as on premises, hosted, or in the cloud with Office 365
Global Talent Pool made up of tens of thousands of SharePoint-compatible service providers
Ability to Leverage an Existing Investment for those companies already using SharePoint
The selection of a contract management application requires careful consideration. Direct costs
are sizable and include license and equipment expenses, implementation fees, and the time
required by your internal team. More impactful are the opportunity costs associated with not
implementing a contract management system. Inefficient and ineffective contract processes result
in increased expenses, lost revenue and the introduction of contractual risks.
As you consider your contract management options, be aware of the benefits afforded by
CM[.app], an application powered by the SharePoint platform.
A WORD ABOUT SHAREPOINT’S PROLIFERATION
Microsoft’s on premises version of SharePoint as well as its Office 365 cloud-based version are
formally recognized by Microsoft as the two fastest growing
products in the company’s history. Initially released in 2001,
SharePoint has evolved into the most popular Enterprise
Content Management (ECM) system in the world. Office 365
takes SharePoint to an entirely new level by offering a rich
set of capabilities fully supported by Microsoft in the cloud.
SharePoint has evolved into the
most popular Enterprise Con-
tent Management (ECM) system
in the world.
Corridor Company, Inc. | www.corridorcompany.com | 888.377.9933
2
The unprecedented growth of SharePoint and Office 365 can be attributed to many factors.
Beginning in 2001 and continuing to today, the free entry-level version of SharePoint which ships
with Windows supports a grassroots movement around the product. More important is the
simplicity and functionality of the product. SharePoint is user friendly and approachable, allowing
users to be productive without a reliance on IT. And, the rich functionality provides users with
immediate and actionable results.
Committed to continuous innovation, Microsoft frequently introduces updates to its Office 365
product and will be releasing SharePoint 2016 later this year.
UNMATCHED GLOBAL SCALABILITY
SharePoint, as a development platform, possesses unmatched repository functionality, control
definitions, language support, security, search, integration and analytics. This platform is an ideal
foundation for a contract management system providing a scalable infrastructure that far eclipses
that of a stand-alone application.
At Its Heart, a Repository
First and foremost, SharePoint is a repository for content including contracts, supporting
documents and related contract data. It is designed from the ground up for extensive metadata
support, rich version control, security and sophisticated document relationships for parent-child
documents and data.
By definition, any ECM system must employ some type of metadata. With SharePoint, an entirely
new level of hierarchical sophistication has been introduced. Metadata can be defined in both a
centralized and distributed fashion which allows for a highly efficient management process when
defining and updating metadata. Centralized changes can be easily “pushed” down to lower levels.
Administrators can readily refine metadata at appropriate levels and “ripple” these changes down
to the remaining levels. For example, common metadata data fields such as contract numbers and
effective dates can be defined at a higher level and pushed down to lower levels automatically,
while the supplier, partner, client and other metadata can be defined at a lower level. Retention
schedules can be defined in a similar fashion. This allows for improved efficiencies and easier
management of your data.
Centralized Control with Regional Autonomy
Stand-alone applications typically rely on a highly centralized database, one where all controls
and definitions are defined centrally. In an enterprise deployment, this may seem like a reasonable
approach at first. However, this rigidly centralized approach does not allow for an appropriate
level of autonomy which a global organization requires. The need for centralized control must be
balanced with the needs of different regions who have different functional, business and legal
requirements.
Corridor Company, Inc. | www.corridorcompany.com | 888.377.9933
3
SharePoint’s architecture is optimally suited for this challenge. Its unique set of capabilities allow
for a centralized set of controls and practices to be established including standardized metadata,
library structures, and a rich set of common services for searching, retention, workflow, security
and more. SharePoint also allows for specific regions to have measured levels of autonomy with
support for localization and language-specific requirements, region-specific data structures, and
the ability to store content in a distributed fashion to accommodate unique jurisdictional
requirements.
The ability to blend the benefit of centralization with the autonomy required by certain regions,
divisions, or business functions is a powerful enabler for contract managers who must work
together and apart, around the world and in different time zones. Other contract management
applications including those powered by the Salesforce platform cannot match SharePoint’s
sophisticated approach to central vs. distributed control.
Localization and Language Support
SharePoint has been designed to meet the demands of international organizations. With over 50
languages supported, SharePoint is the undisputed leader in language and localization support.
This is important for organizations that need their contract management system deployed around
the world in different languages to support local communities.
Extensive Security Model
SharePoint has one of the most advanced security models in the industry and includes multifactor
authentication support, group and role definitions, granular security definitions and document-
specific security. This allows documents and data to be secured the right way in the right location
with audit trails of the key activities which take place within the system. The combination of
configurable security and auditability makes SharePoint an unmatched environment for contract
management.
Powerful Search
Earlier versions of SharePoint included imbedded search functionality. However, with the
acquisition of FAST Search and its subsequent introduction into SharePoint, this functionality has
been taken to new heights. One of the most sophisticated search engines available, it allows for
high performance searching across vast amounts of content including both data and documents,
multilingual support and powerful search aids and refiners.
Integration with Line of Business (LoB) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
SharePoint is arguably the most highly integrated platform in the world. Because of its popularity,
virtually every major software vendor, including SAP, Oracle, and Salesforce, has worked with
Microsoft to deliver varying forms of integration with SharePoint. Significant efficiencies are
introduced with these integrations as information does not have to be entered multiple times,
contract data can be posted directly into a LoB system, and contracts can be accessed directly
from within the LoB system.
Corridor Company, Inc. | www.corridorcompany.com | 888.377.9933
4
Microsoft’s native Business Connectivity Services (BCS) allow external data to be connected into
SharePoint with bi-directional data updates. Additionally, SharePoint provides a rich and vast
collection of interoperable web services that support integration with other systems. These
capabilities, coupled with a large number of third party integration products, allow SharePoint to
be integrated into most systems – a substantial benefit when contract management needs to work
efficiently with procurement, accounting and sales.
Analytics
A primary focal point for Microsoft is the continuous evolution of its Business Intelligence (BI) and
analytics tools. In this capacity, Microsoft has been recognized by Forrester and others as a leader
in “Agile Business Intelligence” or the BI space. Its collection of “Power BI” tools – including
Performance Point, PowerPivot Excel and SQL Server Reporting Services – allows contract
professionals to analyze their content in many different ways.
POWERFUL CORE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES
The former CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer, dubbed SharePoint the “Information Operating
System.” Similar to a computer’s operating system, SharePoint is a central system for directing
efforts around information including documents, data and reports, scheduling tasks and
processing workflow approvals, handling incoming user input and communicating user output,
and using the communication options associated with computing including email.
Like the computer’s operating system, SharePoint provides a collection of core contract
management capabilities including a rich repository, powerful security, complex metadata
structures, document version control and various forms of collaboration. Properly assembled,
these are the foundations of a contract management system.
By leveraging these core capabilities, Corridor is able
to deliver its contract management solution
CM[.app] more effectively. With basic infrastructure
functionality provided by SharePoint, Corridor’s
focus is on more sophisticated contract management
requirements including contract creation,
negotiation and collaboration, and reporting. And, as
Microsoft continuously invests in SharePoint,
Corridor’s CM[.app] is able to benefit from the
continuous innovation. Given that Microsoft’s R&D budget for SharePoint eclipses the collective
revenue of all other contract management vendors, this is an important consideration.
Leveraging SharePoint’s core capa-
bilities including its rich repository,
powerful security, complex metadata
structures, document version control,
and collaboration allows Corridor to
deliver its CM[.app] solution for
contract management more effectively.
Corridor Company, Inc. | www.corridorcompany.com | 888.377.9933
5
VARIOUS DELIVERY OPTIONS
When implementing a contract management application, the delivery options associated with the
application must be considered. Arguments can be made for the installation of a solution on
premises or hosted in the cloud. Before concluding what is best for your organization, equipment
costs, support considerations and data privacy should all be investigated.
SharePoint is the only enterprise platform to support on premises, cloud, and hybrid installations.
It can be installed locally within your network or it can
be hosted in the cloud through third party hosting
providers or through Office 365. Hybrid installations,
typical for organizations who are interested in the
benefits of the cloud, but who have data privacy
concerns, can also be supported. In this instance,
SharePoint is run locally as well as in the cloud.
The flexibility of the delivery options associated with SharePoint allow Corridor and its CM[.app]
application to support the diverse needs of Corridor’s client base.
GLOBAL TALENT POOL
Because of its popularity, SharePoint’s global talent pool is extensive. From technologists and
architects to trainers, designers and users, familiarity with SharePoint and the ability to support
the application is widespread. This is an important consideration when contemplating the
installation of a contract management application. A ready talent pool allows an application to be
planned for, staffed, implemented and supported. The risk profile associated with the
implementation is reduced as well as the costs associated with ramping and training those who
will use and support the system.
Organizations who do not have SharePoint internally
or who do not have the resources to staff a SharePoint
implementation can still take advantage of the many
benefits of CM[.app]. Corridor’s hosted version as well
as its Office 365 application provide an equally robust
contract management application without the IT
support required of an on premises application.
And, for those companies interested in augmenting
their SharePoint knowledge, there are thousands of training programs, online resources and
books written on all aspects of the technology.
SharePoint is the only enterprise
platform to support on premises,
cloud and hybrid installations –
allowing Corridor and CM[.app] to
readily support the diverse needs
of Corridor’s client base.
An important consideration when
installing a contract management
application is the ability to imple-
ment and support the application.
SharePoint’s global talent pool –
from technologists to trainers to
users – is extensive.
Corridor Company, Inc. | www.corridorcompany.com | 888.377.9933
6
ABILITY TO LEVERAGE AN EXISTING INVESTMENT
For those organizations that already have SharePoint internally, a multitude of different
economies can be realized. First, the ability to leverage an existing SharePoint installation provides
the users of CM[.app] with a fully robust contract
management application at a reduced cost. Where the
application is already installed, equipment costs are
minimal. Training on the system as well as support of the
system can be provided more economically as users are
already familiar with the SharePoint fundamentals. IT
personnel do not need to learn how to support another
system or silo of information. And, because users are
already familiar with the system fundamentals, user
adoption will likely be greater.
SHAREPOINT – FLEXIBILITY AND LESSONS LEARNED
SharePoint is many things to many people. As a product, especially in the latest release of
SharePoint 2013, it is as deep as it is broad. As a platform, it is the most highly integrated system
in the world. The combination of breadth, depth and viability is incredibly powerful.
With this power are inherent risks. SharePoint’s flexibility allows for ready deployment for a
multitude of different purposes. Its presence within most companies can further complicate the
situation as ineffective practices can quickly result in unsuccessful implementations and overall
confusion.
To ensure the success of SharePoint as well as your contract management application, specific
attention should be paid to the following:
Choose the Right Partner
As important as the technology platform is, so, too, is your implementation partner. Be sure to
choose a company with proven technology, and a solid, referenceable client base. A commitment
to innovation, as measured through consistent product releases, is important as well as flexibility
in delivery options. Corridor’s CM[.app] is currently on its sixth release and is available locally or
in the cloud for SharePoint 2010, SharePoint 2013 and Office 365.
Ensure Proper Deployment of the Application
Key to a successful deployment of a contract management application is the use of a consistent
implementation methodology. Corridor’s award-winning Passage1 Implementation Methodology
provides immediate value through our use of business releases. Our clients are able to readily
Seventy eight percent of Fortune
500 companies are already using
SharePoint and 20,000 users are
being added daily. Leveraging
this as an existing investment
allows a variety of economies to
be realized.
Corridor Company, Inc. | www.corridorcompany.com | 888.377.9933
7
leverage the technology to provide immediate business value ensuring not only a technical, but
business success.
Plan a Solid Change Management Strategy
Socializing and publicizing the benefits of the new system is an important aspect to a successful
implementation. Administrative and end user training are critical as well as ongoing support to
the user community. Corridor suggests regularly scheduled “office hours” during the few weeks
of the deployment, and a carefully reviewed feedback loop from both casual and power users
whose ideas can be addressed in future business releases.
Establish the Necessary Executive Support
Throughout the implementation lifecycle, feedback and support from the Executive Team should
be regularly solicited. By actively involving the Executive Team in the dialogue, expectations can
be properly set and managed, and alignment can be readily achieved. The process of creating,
managing, and renewing contracts is one which is vital to all organizations. By providing the
Executive Team with an efficient tool to address these challenges, as well as the supporting
information necessary to make informed decisions, expenses can be reduced, revenue maximized,
and risk mitigated.
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT APP FOR SHAREPOINT
A COTS application which leverages the Microsoft SharePoint platform, Corridor’s CM[.app] is a
robust contract management lifecycle application. From creation to obligation, CM[.app] supports
organizations in their contract creation, management and reporting challenges.
On its sixth version, CM[.app] incorporates Corridor’s twenty years of experience in the enterprise
content and contract management space with the industry knowledge and best practices learned
in working with such global leaders as Logitech, First
Data, British Telecom and Intel. With an award-winning
Passage1 Implementation methodology, Corridor’s
solutions are launched successfully within two to eight
weeks of contract signature.
Because it utilizes the enterprise class infrastructure of
SharePoint, CM[.app] readily delivers global scalability,
security and language support. Most organizations already have SharePoint internally which
reduces the IT, training and support costs associated with a new application. And, SharePoint’s
flexible nature, coupled with CM[.app]’s unique capabilities, allow Corridor to support distinct
organizational requirements without the need for customizations.
SharePoint’s flexible nature, coupled
with CM[.app]’s unique capabilities,
allow Corridor to support distinct
organizational requirements without
the need for customizations.
Corridor Company, Inc. | www.corridorcompany.com | 888.377.9933
8
Additional high-level benefits include the following:
Contract & Document Generation | CM[.app]’s powerful document assembly engine can be
used for the creation of contracts as well as supporting documentation.
Contract Dashboards | Powerful, at-a-glance contract summary information at the Master
Agreement level is linked to related content such as supporting documents and data.
Full Template Support | Sophisticated management and support of a variety of contract
templates ensures that approved contract types and language are consistently used.
MS Word Add Ins for Insertion & Extraction | Contract modifications can be managed
expertly in two ways: pre-execution support for easy and secure insertion of clauses from a
clause library, and post-execution support for the extraction and management of modified
clauses.
External Collaboration with Counterparties | Using CM[.app]’s External Email Collaboration
(EEC), sending and receiving contracts to and from counterparties is effortless as new versions
of the agreement are automatically checked in and out of the repository and redlined for ease
of review.
Advanced Workflow & Approval Support | Designed for the non-technical Contract
Administrator, CM[.app] allows standard workflows to be configured and updated with ease.
Powerful eSignature Integration | Readily sign contracts electronically and automatically
store fully executed agreements in CM[.app]’s contract repository with our out-of-the-box
DocuSign integration.
Automated Reporting & Escalations | Automate the creation and delivery of reports and
escalations with CM[.app]’s powerful reporting and notification engine. Readily configurable,
a report can be created for any metadata captured within the system including expiration
dates, location, product line or any other custom field types.
Advanced Security Support | As contracts continue through the lifecycle, they can be
automatically secured. CM[.app]’s security model can be pushed down to child documents
and data, as required.
Graphing & Charting Capabilities | Expertly analyze contract data contained within the
system with at-a-glance graphing and charting. View the status of your contracts, any process
bottlenecks which exist and any actions which require your attention.
CRM Integration | Powerful bidirectional integration with a variety of different CRM systems
removes the need to rekey data while allowing users to readily access information from within
the system where they “live.”
Corridor Company, Inc. | www.corridorcompany.com | 888.377.9933
9
Corridor Company
Corridor Company is committed to continually evolving our software product line to meet the
challenges of contracts and their proper management. With a business application platform that
readily provides solutions for Contract, Proposal and Supplier Management, Corridor's end-to-
end solutions enable customers to create contracts and proposals more efficiently, manage all
processes more effectively, and ensure that revenue, profit and compliance are all fully optimized.
With a variety of different licensing, supporting implementation packages, and delivery options
which include on premises, in the cloud, or Office 365, we ensure a solution tailored to fit the
needs of your company. To learn why global to mid-sized clients choose Corridor for their Con-
tract Management, Proposal Management and Supplier Management partner, visit us at
Corridor Company, Inc.
Web: www.corridorcompany.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 781-229-9933 ext. 15
Toll Free: 888-377-9933 ext. 15