Re: Content Management, XML authoring, and deliverables

Subject: Re: Content Management, XML authoring, and deliverables
From: Sean Wheller <sean -at- inwords -dot- co -dot- za>
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 09:02:48 +0200

On Wednesday 10 January 2007 20:59, Francois Leclerc wrote:
>
>
> I'm currently looking at implementing content management and structured
> authoring with XML as source files.

Hello Francois,

My first suggestion is to decide on an XML format that will suite your needs.
I like standards-based solutions so I would suggest Docbook. You may also
want to look at DITA, but this is more suited to online help systems and it
sounds like you want to produce printable output.

>
> We need to product PDFs for user guides and CHMs for online help. These are
> currently the only two formats we deliver. It could eventually expand into
> Web creation if the solution sees more expansion in the company.

From Docbook you will be able to produce multiple target presentation formats.

>
> I've looked at XMetal Reviewer and I really like the features available
> with that tool.

For now, leave the front-end tools aside and focus on the backend.

>
> Do you have any wisdom to share on what tools or tools packages and
> combinations can be used to achieve these goals?
>
> -          XML structured authoring (with XML source files that can be
> parsed by other custom or third-party tools)
>
> -          Content Management
>
> -          Review tool allowing inputs from SME (Subject matter experts)
> without modifying the actual text

When one says "Content Management" the natural tendency is to think of a
system managing content for web-based access, providing work-flow, revision
control, scheduling, access control, etc. I am not sure if this is what you
have in mind when you speak about "Content Management".
However, a basic set of tools Docbook tools and the inclusion of Subversion -
a revision control management system, will provide a batch processing
environment and the nuts and bolts "Content Management" level you need.

With proper application and understanding this platform will enable the
requirements you have mentioned and enable extension. From this point it is
not to big a leap to move to a "Content Management" solution, as in a
web-based solution.

>
> -          PDF and CHM deliverables from the same source.

Again, Docbook, especially because you want the print output.

Hope this helps. If I can help in some nice way, just let me know.

b.t.w. Does your company's gear ever die. I have some of it in use for several
years now and man oh man, it just keeps going while everything else has
already been replaced at least once.

--
Sean Wheller
Technical Author
email: sean -at- inwords -dot- co -dot- za
im: seanwhe -at- jabber -dot- org
skype: seanwhe
cel: +27-84-854-9408
web: http://www.inwords.co.za
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delivery. Try it today! http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l

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References:
Content Management, XML authoring, and deliverables: From: Francois Leclerc

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