Verano Unwraps KM Tool

Verano (Mountain View, CA) has taken the wraps off a new framework for sharing knowledge across distributed networks. The OpenWrap technology provides a platform-independent framework for adding context, via metadata, to any kind of content. OpenWrap encrypts and electronically wraps content and metadata in a universal package format. Key attributes are automatically extracted, including author, file size, creation date, modification dates and full-text index. Users can capture digital content, add contextual information, and share, protect and discover that information via a Web browser. The platform- and data-independent capabilities are "two key attributes that make Verano's technology the one to watch in the knowledge sharing market segment," according to Chris Shepley, executive producer of Demo '98 where OpenWrap is being demonstrated. "We believe information in the proper context equals competitive advantage," said Verano president and CEO Ron Buck. "The key is to add context to content to enable effective sharing, protection and discovery of all relevant information." An OpenWrap software development kit will be made generally available later this year.