RE: DITA possible for start-up/lone writer?

["Broberg, Mats" <mabr -at- flir -dot- se>]

Joe,

You may want to look into DocBook, or any other well-supported
DTD/Schema, instead of DITA. 

I've created modular and highly complex technical documentation in XML
for several years - ported to PDF and HTML Help using a simplistic DTD
called FlexDTD. I reuse and repurpose modules as small as individual
paragraphs up to as large as whole chapters. In 21 languages. My
documentation is also topic-based (I'm using a adapted version of
Information Mapping) and I can reuse and repurpose these topics anywhere
I want.

I still don't quite grasp all the hot air with DITA, and what you can
achieve with DITA that you can't achieve with any other DTD/Schema.

Best regards,
Mats Broberg
Technical Documentation Manager

www.flirthermography.com

Joe Malin wrote:
> 
> Hi!
>  
> I am looking for experiences and advice about using DITA from 
> tech writers who are familiar with real success stories.
>  
> I'm the only tech writer here at TuVox, a 70-person startup. 
> I am seriously considering using DITA as the basis of a 
> single-source structured documentation environment. The 
> reasons I want single-source and structure are 
> 
> *	re-use, to avoid duplication
> *	multi-channel delivery: ability to re-structure help systems
> into documents
> *	localization/customization: ability to tailor documentation to
> individual customers
> *	quick, iterative delivery: respond quickly to emerging needs 
> 
> From what I know of DITA, I think it matches these 
> requirements pretty well.
>  
> I know XML and I've used it with structured FM since 
> FM6+SGML. I'm also familiar with the conversion issues. I'm 
> technically savvy (I'm a former software engineer). However, 
> I don't know everything there is to know about DITA or XSLTs.
>  
> Does it make sense for a lone writer in a startup to use 
> DITA? Will I need lots of high-priced consultant help? Am I 
> walking into a morass? I have to tell you that I think DITA 
> would help us, but I'm *really* unfamiliar with trying to 
> pioneer such an idea in a small company that wants to save 
> money anywhere it can.
>  
> Joe
>  
> TuVox, Inc.
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