1.DocBook versus DITA: Will the real standard please stand up? Author: Teresa Mulvihill www.t2acommunications.com

2. About Teresa Mulvihill t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs SlideBachelor of Science in International Communications and Technology Working experience

In Europe

In North America

In Asia & South Pacific

3. DocBook Vs DITA Table of Contents t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Slide

Background

Definitions

Concepts

Comparisons

Compatibility

Future possibilities

Make your own decision

4. DocBook Vs DITA Background t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Slide1991 1999 HaL Computer Systems 1998 2004 5. DocBook Vs DITA Definitions t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs SlideDocBook is a document type definition (DTD) for writing technical books and articles, with the structure that such forms imply. DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture) is both a DTD and a set of rules for writing online contextual documentation such as software help files. 6. DocBook Vs DITA Concepts t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs SlideDocBook is hierarchical by nature, and must be developed to allow for single-sourced content. DITA separates content from context, allowing multiple architectures of information. DocBook is a fixed element and attribute set. DITA is extensible, allowing the definition of information types. 7. DocBook Vs DITA Comparisons t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Slide 8. DocBook Vs DITA Comparisons t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs SlideTopic based Separation of content and context Specialization Key Features Large set of elements and attributes targeted for technical documentation Topic oriented Context Book (section) oriented 9. DocBook Vs DITA Comparisons t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Slideditamap file with all files and each files related links Document file Regular XML file called aninclude file with all files included in the document bat, bin, dtd, etc. files, and transformation engine Download and Installation bat, bin, dtd, etc. files and eDE able to run with as is 10. DocBook Vs DITA Comparisons t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs SlideSmall, growing community Community Well supported by the XML community Unrestricted, but all need development Output PDF HTML HTMLHelp 11. DocBook Vs DITA Comparisons t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs SlidePublishingplug-ins Possible needs Content Management System DITA is impressively engineered, but can be too industrial-strength. Complexity With a little development, DocBook can do what DITA is attempting on a smaller scale. 12. DocBook Vs DITA Compatibility t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Slide

Similar structures

Easy(ish) mapping

Online communities and companies are already attempting to facilitate compatibility

• Oasis Open Document

• Flatiron Solutions

13. DocBook Vs DITA Future possibilities t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs SlideThe only constant is change Possible with training for reviewers Collaboration management Book hierarchy enables easier collaboration Community is working on a plug-in WIKIs Possible with development XMLMind, ArborText, FrameMaker Software XMLMind, XMLSpy, ArborText, FrameMaker 14. DocBook Vs DITA Make your own decision Slidet2a Communications - LiveTechDocs Medium to large Small to medium Budget One month plus Immediate Integration time frame XML, FrameMaker XML, MS Word, FrameMaker Documentation input Various PDF, HTML, HTMLHelp Documentation output Large Small to medium Documentation volume 15. DocBook Vs DITA The End SlideThank you!Time for Q&A t2a Communications - LiveTechDocs