White papers
Handling XSL:FO's memory issue with large page counts
Formatting Object (FO) processors (FOP in particular) often fail with memory errors when processing very large documents for PDF output. This document shows a general structural solution for FO documents that preventst this error and how the solution can be applied to the Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA) Open Toolkit.
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(760 MB, 10 pages)
Friend or foe? Web 2.0 in technical communication
The rise of Web 2.0 technology provides a platform for user-generated content. Publishing is no longer restricted to a few technical writers — any user can now contribute information. But the information coming from users tends to be highly specific. The two types of information can coexist and improve the overall user experience. User-generated content also offers an opportunity for technical writers to participate as "curators" — by evaluating and organizing the information provided by end users.
This white paper includes Flash movies.
Read in HTML or download the PDF (1.7 MB, 16 pages)
Structured authoring and XML
Structured authoring and XML represent a significant paradigm shift in content creation. Implementing structured authoring with XML allows organizations to enforce content organization requirements. The addition of hierarchy and metadata to content improves reuse and content management. These benefits, however, must be weighed against the effort required to implement a structured authoring approach. The business case is compelling for larger writing organizations; they will be the first to adopt structured authoring. Over time, improvements in available tools will reduce the cost of implementing structured authoring and make it affordable for smaller organizations.
Read in HTML or download the PDF (1.8 MB, 22 pages)
Managing implementation of structured authoring
Moving a desktop publishing-based workgroup into structured authoring requires authors to master new concepts, such as hierarchical content organization, information chunking with elements, and metadata labeling with attributes. In addition to these technical challenges, the implementation itself presents significant difficulties. This paper describes Scriptorium Publishing's methodology for implementing structured authoring environments. This document is intended primarily as a roadmap for our clients, but it could be used as a starting point for any implementation.
This white paper assumes basic familiarity with XML and structured authoring. For more information about these concepts, refer to the Structured Authoring and XML white paper.
Read in HTML or download the PDF (929 KB, 9 pages)
Assessing DITA as a foundation for XML implementation
The Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA) is being positioned as the solution for XML-based technical content. Is DITA right for you?
This white paper describes the potential business advantages of DITA, provides a high-level overview of DITA's most important features, and then discusses how you can decide whether to develop a DITA-based XML implementation.
Read in HTML or download the PDF (400 KB, 11 pages)
Integrating XML and FrameMaker
FrameMaker provides solid support for XML-based authoring workflows. Its PDF and print output capabilities are stellar. Because FrameMaker combines authoring and publishing in a single application, configuring XML support can be quite challenging.
Read in HTML or download the PDF (400 KB, 11 pages)