Hello
all,
Is anyone maintaining
a "Best Practices" to do with developing an XML Authoring
system?
To
explain:
For
non-technical persons, or those short on time, who already realize the
benefit of XML Authoring, the implementation process can seem to be
complex and lengthy. Often this would result in management concluding
that while long-term benefit can be demonstrated, the cost and risk
associated with implementation of an XML Authoring system is prohibitively
costly and risky. That benefit will not be attained for the short to
medium term.
In an effort to reduce the
barrier to entry I would like to develop a document called "Best
Practices for Implementation of an XML Authoring". This document is a not a
business case. Rather it is an addendum to the business case. The document
assumes that a business case has been demonstrated and that the solution will
include the use of DocBook XML DTD or Scheme. As a by product, the document
may provide input or insight to enable more accurate assessment of the cost
involved.
The purpose of the document
is to demonstrate a readily available, acceptable solution, cost
optimized and implemental within a reasonable time frame of six months. The
content should assist in fast tracking the implementation by providing "Best
Practices" or a "Standard" by which to measure and select
systems/methods:
- Desktop Tool chain
- Revision Control
- Database Storage
- Translation System
- Porting Legacy to XML
- Training Authors
- Markup Guide
- Style Guide
If
I have left anything out, please let me know.
Naturally I have been able to locate some of this information by
reading across a number of Web Sites, but I cannot find a single resource that
is made credible by way of community backing. Some Web Sites are maintained by
people on doc-book-apps and generally I can consider them useful input. Others
are not and generally have a marketing bias. While many articles concur with
one another, they generally have conflicts in their suggestions, which
inevitably leads to debate and ultimately results in my having
to perform a detailed competitive analysis across a number of tools. A
task I dread as it takes me of the fast track.
The
question is: What are the "Best Practices" as seen by people that have
extensive experience in the subject?
Does such a guideline exist?
Can
we produce it as benchmark?
If
this is not being done, I am willing to contribute to coordinating and
developing the document as a resource. However, in a document of
such nature it is important to have majority consensus within the
community. I will therefore need the assistance of list members with input and
resolution of just what is preferred "Best Practice".
Please feel free to contact me if you feel you can provide the baseline
for discussion one one or more of the points above.
If
you feel that I have neglected something please let me
know.
Alternately, if you feel that this project should not be
undertaken, please say so.
Best,
Sean Wheller
XWriter