EC awards €300,000 contract to Cornwell Management Consultants to develop international information management standard
15 January 2007
15th January 2007, London, UK – Cornwell Management Consultants plc, Europe’s leading supplier of independent consultancy in electronic document and records management, has been awarded the €300,000 (£202,500) European Commission contract to define the next generation of the Model Requirements for Electronic Records Management specification, known as MoReq2. Since its release in 2000 the original MoReq, also developed by Cornwell, has gained widespread international recognition as the de facto standard for electronic records management (ERM) systems.
MoReq2 is destined to become the guiding principle used by ERM system suppliers and developers to provide required functionality, and by outsourced records management service providers to define their service offerings. The standard also promises to revolutionise ERM procurement, auditing and training schemes around the globe. MoReq2 will be used by a broad spectrum of public sector and commercial organisations when preparing requests for proposals, evaluating existing systems and preparing records management training materials. It will also provide a valuable teaching resource for academic institutions.
Cornwell has already secured unprecedented support from a vast cross-section of the ERM community, including most of the top ten software companies worldwide, the majority of ERM system suppliers, a representative selection of private and public organisations from more than fifteen European countries, a range of professional and industry bodies and National Archive organisations from European Union member states.
According to Marc Fresko, EDM & ERM Consulting Services Director at Cornwell, “MoReq2 will be an important European information management standard with far-reaching consequences. In developing MoReq2 we recognise the need to consult as widely as possible, with users, software suppliers and experts, to ensure that the standard is realistic, practical and effective. By developing MoReq2 with the full co-operation, knowledge and understanding of the ERM community we will ensure its success and longevity. Any organisation or individuals wanting to provide input throughout the MoReq2 development phase should contact Cornwell to register their interest.” The authors’ work will be monitored by a distinguished editorial review panel comprised of international ERM experts, who will provide feedback and guidance as the standard is formulated. The final seal of approval will be given by the European Commission in association with the European DLM Forum.
Unlike its predecessor, MoReq2 will include a framework for an official software certification testing regime. The testing regime will be established by the DLM Forum. Organisations developing and implementing an ERM system based on the requirements of MoReq2 can be assured that records will be properly managed, accessible at all times, retained for as long as they are required and properly disposed of once the retention period has ended. Cornwell will work closely with imbus ag, a leading independent specialist software testing organisation based in Germany, to develop MoReq2 software certification testing materials.
MoReq2 will undoubtedly become one of the most important information management standards for the future. Frank Brady, Head of Unit for Electronic Records Management and Archival Policy at the European Commission, said “MoReq is already an important de facto standard that is widely used throughout Europe. MoReq2 will provide thoroughly updated, relevant guidelines taking into account knowledge and experience gained over the last six years and advances in ERM technology. Organisations are increasingly recognising the importance of managing electronic records effectively and maintaining accurate and accessible historical records, while ensuring compliance to legislation and other important regulations. Cornwell has in-depth knowledge and an extensive network of contacts in the ERM commun
