XML SERVICES

Organization Analysis:

The documents produced by an organization can come from engineers, analysts, technical writers, legal departments, even executives. Understanding the contribution of each is critical to understanding the ultimate content purposes.

Document Analysis:

All organizations produce a variety of document types, from simple warning labels to multi-volume encyclopedia. Document analysis is the systematic dissection of all document types, defining each type and establishing commonalities for efficient re-use.

XML DTD Design:

The results of successful document analysis translate directly into codification of the results as Document Type Definitions. DTDs are the rules by which your XML will be created and used.

Document Conversion:

Many organizations predate the Internet, electronic publishing and word processors and they have large amounts of legacy documents. Managing document conversion is frequently finding a balance between electronic content needs and budgetary limitations. Converting documents and databases to XML involves identification of critical data, choosing the best conversion technology, monitoring the processes, correcting outputs to within acceptable error rates and sometimes providing “round-tripping” back to the original formats.

XML Training:

All aspects of becoming an XML-compliant organization involve establishing and propagating procedures that the staff can follow. XML training can include DTD design/modification, conversion processes, XML word processor use and content delivery.

XML Content Preparation:

Whether contributing writers use traditional word processors or adopt XML-compliant word processors, specialized procedures and training are required to create consistent documents efficiently. XML word processor evaluation, selection, configuration and training are essential parts of this process.

Content Delivery:

XML documents require XML-aware applications to deliver their contents to readers. These include Web applications, CD-ROM/DVD products and now PDAs. XML stylesheets are the common way in which structured data are rendered for optimized display to the reader. Stylesheet design and other delivery configurations are essential to goal of an organization’s documents: clear communication.

Content Management:

As the traditional storage technology (paper) is replaced with invisible electronic files, the need for organization of file systems become paramount. Content management can be as simple as a subdirectory filing system or as complex as an advanced application which tracks revision, manages authors and reviewers, dictates content workflow and archives static data. Deciding on the optimal content management scheme that matches your needs to your resources is essential.

Lightbinders became an SGML-centric organization in 1992 and was one of the first companies to provide complete SGML/XML services in the scientific, technical and medical publishing arena. Lightbinders was a pioneer by creating SGML conversion processes in-house and shipped the first SGML-based research journals on CD-ROM. Over the past decade Lightbinders has remained on the leading edge of structured-content delivery for the STM and professional book market.