Re: Content Management, XML authoring, and deliverables

[Sean Wheller <sean -at- inwords -dot- co -dot- za>]

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
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word features support for every major Help
format plus PDF, HTML and more. Flexible, precise, and efficient content
delivery. Try it today! http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l

Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include single source authoring, team authoring,
Web-based technology, and PDF output. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList

---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- infoinfocus -dot- com -dot- 

To unsubscribe send a blank email to
techwr-l-unsubscribe -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
or visit http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/archive%40infoinfocus.com


To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-join -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com

Send administrative questions to admin -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-  Visit
http://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.