Liquid Machines Document Control Version 6 is an enterprise-scale application that allows users to manage documents both on- and offline. The user develops a document, applies a policy to it and then makes the document available to collaborators.
The collaborators may work offline, however they are usually required to connect to the policy server periodically to freshen their permissions, or they may work connected to the policy server.
We found installation to be a bit tricky, as this is a product that requires Microsoft SQL Server. We were surprised to find that the required version of SQL Server is SQL Server 2000, although Liquid machines claims that the product on release now also supports the 2005 version.
As with most enterprise applications, Document Control interfaces nicely with enterprise infrastructure such as Active Directory.
Deployment in the enterprise involves developing policies, which is very straightforward using the policy builder. Assigning the policies is done simply by using the Policy Droplet Control.
The product supports more than 65 different applications and file types, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and Visio. Detailed audit logs of document access and usage are also provided.
The product performs well. Once properly configured, Liquid Machines Document Control is easy to distribute dynamically across the network. Changing policies is as simple and there is no interruption to existing users. Rights management, such as rights revocation and selected content expiration, can be done quickly and without effort.
We found the documentation average, although the installation guide does describe the features fairly well, along with installation and post-installation steps. However, some documentation assumes a certain level of knowledge and skips steps such as installation of SSL certifications on Server 2003.
With typical deployments starting at around £16,000, Liquid Machines Document Control comes in at about the middle of the price range for this type and scale of product. Keep in mind as well that support is available through customer care subscription only
