PG Bartlett

In Part 1 of this series we discussed some of the key problems of capturing and sharing information and in Part 2 we looked at the critical components of a solution: modularization, automation, and XML. In part 3, we start getting technical - but in a nontechnical way. We examine the essential parts of building a solution, including developing data models (which are either DTDs or Schemas), designing stylesheets, and integrating various components of the solution. Data Models? Why Would I Care About Data Models? We're fond of history lessons in this column, so let's go back to the year 1900. At that time, the average worker in the United States earned about $500 a year and a bicycle cost $600. No wonder the men on old-fashioned bicycles wore a top hat and tails - you had to be rich to own one! The reason for the high cost of bicycles is that they were handmade. They ... (more)

An Easy Introduction to XML Publishing

Essentials of a Publishing System In part 1 of this series, we discussed some of the key problems of capturing and sharing information - problems like delivering information to multiple types of media, making updates faster and easier, and reducing the cost and time to translate and publish. Given those challenges, what should we do? In this part, we'll describe the essentials for solving these problems, which include building a "single source" of information that eliminates redundancy, creating information in reusable modules, and automatically assembling and publishing informati... (more)

Seven Ways to Mess Up with XML

A successful XML publishing project inspired this article. The project's leader, who claims that the financial return gained for his company "made his career" there, achieved success for two reasons: he focused on the right goals and executed the project in the right way. This article focuses on two things: how to establish the right goals for an XMLbased publishing project and the most common mistakes made. We explore the topic by discussing how to go about it the wrong way. Mistake #1: Plan too little Everyone knows the importance of upfront planning, right? Yet, even though "e... (more)

Why Publishing is Getting More Complicated and Costly

Are you just beginning to try to figure out how XML and content management can help you wrestle with your publishing problems? Are you confused by all the jargon and acronyms that the experts are throwing around? Do you wish that someone would clear it all up for you? If so, then this 4-part series of articles is for you. When we spoke recently with someone who is just beginning to find his way through the standards, technologies, products, and vendors related to XML publishing, we were struck by the lack of helpful information resources for the uninitiated. In this first articl... (more)