Spell-checkers and redlining merged into word processing; electronic billing merged into matter management; graphics capabilities merged into spreadsheets. Likewise, software that serves the needs of a corporate secretary function will over time merge with software that helps Board members communicate (See my post of July 19, 2006 on Board software.).
Corporate secretarial packages such as Bridgeway’s Secretariat help a law department keep track of the company’s subsidiaries, their authorization to do business, their minutes, and related tasks. Packages for Boards of Directors emphasize communication; they help get out the Board books, schedule meetings, and allow messages among the members of the Board of Directors.
In the future, these two software tools are likely to merge, since their common thrust is corporate governance.