All printed documents, since Gutenberg were multiple copies of a single original source (single-sourced documents) until quite late in the 20th century. Advanced printing technology allowed compositors to create multiple versions of documents by reusing the same printing plate sources in different permutations. Computers made practically anything possible, but a comparatively tiny slice of the possible became routine.
In an enterprise environment, there are many uses to which information is put. Some of those uses include documentation, training, knowledge-base applications and marketing. Traditionally, these disparate uses have all maintained their separate knowledge management environments. As a result, the information provided by these various sources is usually inconsistent. In the worst case, considerable misinformation results.
No one would think of using typewriters and mimeographs for corporate communication, although these were once ubiquitous. In the near future, single-source systems will seem just as antiquated.
When these information sources are unified into a single repository, from which all outputs derive, significant improvements in efficiency, consistency and overall quality of information result. Also, when the costs of implementing the content repository are spread among different organizations within the enterprise, a greater return on investment naturally occurs.
Communication is the unstated core competency of every successful business. When the information about its products, processes, policies and procedures is available to all associates, this has a unifying effect on all the organizations within the enterprise. Although the process and deliverables of different organizations vary tremendously, their need for accurate and timely information is identical.
In its best form, the XML content repository can be a significant competitive advantage to an enterprise, particularly one that operates in diverse markets. In this sense, the economies and productivity conferred to the training organization are a byproduct of a larger benefit to the entire enterprise.