So, here's the story…
After wanting to implement a DAM system for many years, early last summer my employer, shortly after contracting with a network management company after our long-time net admin moved away, had them install a DAM system. The aforementioned net admin believed them to be more trouble than they are worth, and while my own view was somewhat colored by his perceptions, I hoped for the best.
We began with a SharePoint system, and we ran into problem after problem. Even when it was somewhat operational, I never liked that images needed to go to one section and other type of files needed to go to another section. It was confusing.
And so it went till winter when it was decided to scrap everything and start fresh with the Alfresco Community DAM (open source). We've also had some issues with it but all but one have been resolved. On the plus side, it's pretty intuitive. What it lacks, however, is a lightbox function. Plus it's not all that pretty to look at.
So, it's almost a year later, and we're still not at 100%. Somewhere in there some hardware issues were also discovered, and that wasn't helping anything. All this would probably bring a smirk to the face of the former net admin.
The system I wish we would have discovered earlier is Widen. I have absolutely no experience with it other than watching their videos, but one of our customers uses it and the only complaint they have had is not having the monthly reports e-mailed to them.
Yes, the network management company is still under contract. Shortly after signing us, they hired a sharp guy with Mac experience, something they were lacking, and he's not only been responsive but proactive.
I wish you much luck on finding a good DAM system and not a damn system.
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