Although the advantages of distributing and automating data collection through electronic forms are definitive and compelling, traditional electronic forms solution providers have failed to adapt their offerings to the Internet. As a result, these companies have created de facto barriers that have prevented the widespread adoption of e-forms. These barriers include the lack of flexibility, lack of security, and unsustainable cost models.

Flexibility

Description

Flexibility refers to the ease and capacity to distribute, access, and transfer data. For electronic forms, true flexibility requires the ability to distribute the form across the Internet, access to the form for anyone from anywhere, and the ability to transfer the data into usable tools or applications through open standards like XML, SMTP, HTTP, and other Internet protocols.

Major Barrier

Traditional solutions charge form distribution fees for you to host your own form on your own website. These solutions also charge per seat fees for end users to complete and submit the form. This limits the reach and utility of e-forms.  Would you pay a third party form company $100 just for the privilege of filling out an application for life insurance?

Security

Description

Security has three layers: Encryption, Authentication, and Signing. Encryption is necessary for the protection, privacy and non-alterability of the data as it is submitted and routed electronically. Authentication is necessary when the recipient must be assured of the identity of the sender.  Signing a form with a digital signature adds a physical layer of security since an X.509 digital certificate resides on a user's machine and Secure ID is carried with the User.

Major Barrier

Traditional solutions lack native encryption leaving data in the clear. Though SSL can encrypt data during transit, neither the form nor the data are encrypted or kept private on the client, on the server, or on any other machine destination. This is a significant level of exposure when you consider that most 'hacks' are carried out on servers and data repositories, not on active SSL sessions. 

Cost Models

Description

There are really only three general ways for an e-forms solution provider to make money on their products.  Some companies sell fillers, thereby putting the real cost of the solution on the end users who fill out and submit the e-forms.  Other companies charge distribution fees on a per-form basis, forcing companies to make a significant investment before realizing any savings or gain from the solution.  The third option is to charge for automating e-form processing by charging companies for each form they process.  This last option links costs directly to savings and ensures that a company only incurs costs after they realize value.

Major Barrier

Traditional e-form solution providers derive at least 70% of their revenue from the sale of their client application used to fill and submit their e-forms - from $100 to $249 per seat. This prevents originators from distributing e-forms to public customers and the general public - and explains why other provider's references are predominately 'internal' applications.