Standardize Data Management with Custom Content Types

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag/issues/2008/02/ContentTypes/default.aspx
"SharePoint 2007 makes it possible to standardize many aspects of content and lifecycle characteristics through content types. Site content types are metadata definitions that can be established independently of any specific site collection, site, list, or document library. This enables you to establish companywide properties, workflows, information management policies, and other elements consistently while also allowing individual departments or site owners to customize content types for specific purposes."