IP offices have a choice when implementing business solutions for the automation of internal processes and provision of online services. There are a small number of private companies offering software that is explicitly designed for IP operations (only two vendors have successfully marketed solutions to more than one IP office). IP offices may also use their own IT resources and/or local IT providers to develop their own solutions. These options have advantages and disadvantages compared to the WIPO solution, as described below.
WIPO brings more than 15 years of cumulative experiences working on projects with more than 80 IP offices. Offices will find most of the functionality they require for administering IP registration process in the WIPO solutions and with the considerable customization options available, the system will be ready for operational use in a relatively short time (subject to its readiness as outlined above).
Software developed in house typically requires substantial time and effort to build from scratch or using and customizing commercial platforms.
Thanks to its graphical process design, the software is fully customizable to cope with various needs of member states ranging from small offices with simple process to medium sized offices with much complex procedures. Changes to legislation or administrative processes can be quickly introduced to the systems with little effort and often no programming. This brings greater flexibility of the WIPO software compared to the in-house or commercial alternatives which tend to address the smaller number of IP offices they target and generally will require service provider intervention for changes on the software to address functional or procedural need. Such flexibility will further enable member states to have more control over the solution and eventually take ownership of the system with less and less dependencies on WIPO or on service providers for their administration.
As the WIPO software is offered under the mandate of the organization and its technical assistance program approved by the member states themselves, the risk of discontinuity of the software and/or its support to offices is minimal. In comparison, in-house developed or commercial alternatives largely depend on the availability of development resources and/or availability of funds to renew or amend the contract with suppliers for changes and support.
WIPO software is offered free of charge to member states, although there are costs associated with purchasing IT infrastructure and engaging resources to implement parts of the project. The commercial alternatives typically imply substantial cost to the client while those developed in house will require cost to cover development resources whether done by local or external resources.
Support from WIPO is limited by available resources which must be shared by all IP offices using the solutions. Response times and service level agreements are provided on a “best efforts” basis, without guarantees. Support staff are Geneva-based and providing support resources on-site is difficult.
Commercial providers and local IT companies will usually provide a service level agreement in which levels of support and response times are guaranteed, in return for a regular payment. For some offices, this option may be more attractive as it reduces risk in the event of a system failure.