Enterprise content management (ECM) extends the concept of content management by adding a time line for each content item and possibly enforcing processes for the creation, approval and distribution of them. Systems that implement ECM generally provide a secure repository for managed items, be they analog or digital, that indexes them. They also include one or more methods for importing content to bring new items under management and several presentation methods to make items available for use.
While it is possible that content in an ECM is protected by DRM it is not required.
The key feature of ECM that distinguishes it from “simple” content management is that an ECM is at least cognizant of the processes and procedures of the enterprise it is created for, and as such is particular to it.