Computer Output to Laser Disk

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COLD stands for Computer Output to Laser Disk. COLD systems are used to capture, archive, store, and retrieve data such as accounting reports, loan records, inventories, shipping and receiving documents, and customer bills. These systems are typically implemented to replace paper creation and microfiche solutions.

COLD systems usually work by capturing data from print streams and storing it on hard drives, storage area networks, or optical disk drives. The data is then retrieved via web browsers or fat clients. COLD systems are part of enterprise content management.

In 2002, Mason Grigsby -- widely reputed as "The Father of COLD" for his seminal work with INSCI in the late 1980s -- promoted a name change for the technology. Today, COLD is also known as Enterprise Report Management (ERM). Grigsby correctly points out that "ERM" more accurately describes the process. Also, laser disks are only one of several appropriate media for computer report storage.