The simple phrase 'going online', hides the need for a strategic and multi aspect transformation towards becoming an e-publisher. Kluwer decided in early 2000 to become one.
However, like many publishers, Kluwer had to face the result of years of expanding and diversifying a portfolio in relation to changing customer demands. The number of systems and processes used to publish, expanded and diversified as well. But 'online' changed the rules of the business. Speed of publishing, combination of content and cost, and an intensified customer focus became the strategic factors. Clearly, the traditional publishing infrastructure was hampering Kluwer's strategic change. Kluwer decided to start PuMa.
The solution
The objective of the PuMa program was a complete new publishing infrastructure to support the redesigned (online oriented) Kluwer portfolio. Kluwer envisioned a redesign of the whole chain: from authors submitting content to delivering content on our online platform and producing folio. A content management system would be at the heart of the technical solution.
Unifying product concepts, content structures and processes formed the centre of the business solution. Product architecture is now founded on a solid architecture of "content building blocks". Kluwer choose Sigmalink and Publication built as enabling technology.
The implementation
A major redesign process for 5000 products, like PuMa cannot be achieved overnight. Kluwer decided for a phased approach. The start was an architectural phase to proof the concepts and the technology. In 2004 the solution for jurisprudence was ready to use, followed by the solution for laws in 2006. In the first quarter of 2007, the third product line was supported by PuMa: Kluwer's crown jewel: law based commentary products. As every redesign process of the magnitude of PuMa, change management was one of the core challenges. This was done by showing results, and by a strong commitment from Kluwer's top management.
The next two years the final 20% of the functionality will be built. Main focus will be on migrating legacy content to the new structures and training all editorial staff and authors.
The success
PuMa has reduced the cost of publication significantly and will improve the online products: law changes of today can be published the next day. Not technology nor processes, but Kluwer quality standards to proof content are the limiting factor. Product innovation can be done faster and better, because Kluwer can reuse content building blocks present in the CMS. In short: with PuMa, Kluwer is ready to fully compete in the new business arena.
About Kluwer
Kluwer Netherlands is part of Wolters Kluwer, a leading global information services and publishing company. Kluwer provides solution-oriented services to its customers and offers them a wide range of products and services: portals, online databases, e-publishing, CDROMs, software, magazines, books, newsletters, loose-leafs and education services. Our customers are professionals in legal, regulatory tax, financial, corporate, HRM, public and marketing sectors. For more information, visit 
www.kluwer.nl
At Kluwer, our business is driven by one goal: to be The Professional's First Choice. Customers choose Kluwer for the innovative information solutions that enable them to increase business productivity. We believe our success depends on the effective use of the talents and unique perspectives offered by a diverse workforce. In this way we strive to foster an environment which supports and respects differences, and encourages professional growth and advancement at all levels.
