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