RE: Word to XML

["Shapiro, Deborah [BWIIL]" <dshapiro -at- bwiil -dot- jnj -dot- com>]

Hi Mike,

>From what I have been learning - DocBook is not the best alternative for
XML. This will only let you handle your documents on a File basis.

For optimal reuse etc., you should be using pure XML according to the
developing DITA standard, and depending on the size of your documentation
set - explore implementation of a content management system (CMS)

Our company is currently looking into this, even though our documentation is
somewhat small (1000 pages in Word). However, with some 150 pp haveing to be
translated into 21 languages, tThe potential for reuse, reduced costs via
single-sourcing, and other benefits seem to indicate this is the way to go.

We are actually exploring a staged approach to this changeover: 1)
Optimizing our Word templates for smooth transfer into XML; 2) feasibility
for XML on a small project via XMetal; 3) Transferring writing to XML; 4)
Selection and implementation of CMS; 5) Phase out of Word for documentation.

For more info on DITA, take a look at: http://www.innodata-isogen.com 

There are numerous content management systems with a wide range of prices.
For starters, look into the following: Vasont, Documentum, SiberLogic,
Tri-Soft - but there are many more to choose from depending on your
company's needs.

It is important to get the right consultant to help develop a proper set of
requirements.

I hope it is not too late for you all to reconsider your strategy. DocBook
may be good, but based on everything I've been learning - its day has come
and the evolving DITA standard seems to be the way to go.

Hope this info is helpful

Debbie

-----Original Message-----
From: bounce-techwr-l-77694 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:bounce-techwr-l-77694 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com]On Behalf Of Mike W
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2005 11:13 PM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: Word to XML



Hello,

Long time listener, first time caller...

Our team is considering the conversion from MS Word to
Structured Framemaker and we're currently researching
XML with the possibility of moving towards single
source documentation. In order to keep things simple,
we'd like to stick with the DocBook DTD. 

The questions I have:
 
(1) Are there any tools available to help with the
conversion of Word files (DOC/RTF) to XML using the
DocBook standard. 

(2) If there aren't any off-the-shelf tools, has
anyone on this list tackled this problem with a
home-crafted solution using tools such as PERL? If so,
can you provide some clues?

Love the show,

Mike


	
		
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