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Updating Multiple Documents from One Source

I have a question:
I work in software as a technical writer. The application I write for is constantly changing and, as such, the documentation requires updates almost weekly. There are dozens of documents. Each is stored in as many as 5 different locations, so when I have to make a modification to one of the documents, I have to do the same to all. I am familiar with single source authoring but I would still have to re-publish each document from my single source authoring tool (Author-it 5), and repost the document at each location.
My question is this:
Is there a tool that will update documents that are stored in multiple locations (like a hard drive, authoring software tool, support website, Sharepoint, etc.) from a single source application?

By jpkismet at 2009-06-18 12:56 | | | | jpkismet's blog | login or register to post comments | printer friendly version

Linked "chunks" to simultaneously update multiple files

It's been awhile since I did anything like this, so perhaps my suggestion is outdated, but let's (dangerously) assume that rather than complete documents scattered around the hard drive (yes, I realize there is stuff on a 'net and shared space) you have document segments, "chunks," stored in one place.

These chunks are referenced into your sundry documents.

Update the required chunks and republish (after carefully assuring the changed copy was pulled into the basic document).

I know this is not really what you want, but it might make your life a little easier and it will work with any application that is able to reference in/link to external files (e.g., Word, FrameMaker; maybe even OpenOffice/StarOfice word processors).

Just a thought.

John Glenn
Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale Florida
http://JohnGlennMBCI.com
Writer @ JohnGlennMBCI dot com 

By John Glenn at 2009-08-18 14:27 | login or register to post comments