Publishing with XML

XML Trenches. Bad DocBook

The XML Trenches posts are case studies of real-world publisher XML events. The idea is to illustrate the fact that digital content strategies need the right tools and approach, and are a guide to help publishers make the right decisions.

We just received a DocBook XML file from a publisher who asked, "Can this be used to make a Mobipocket for Amazon?". The DocBook XML had already been used by the producer to make an ePub. We cracked it open to have a look.

It was a valid and well-formed DocBook file with a custom namespace, but there were significant tagging and structural errors which stop it being usable except by spending time = money. I have posted on this before in Sustainable XML Strategies.

This is the issue with every DocBook produced book XML I have ever seen. They cannot be used to produce more outputs without significant analysis, time and more work. 

Online Document Reader

There are many sites out there that use secure Flash document browsing interfaces to present content in a secure manner online just some examples are Google Books, Slideshare and Scribd. Now any organization can present the same features, instantly. IPG:RealSearch, with IGP:Online Document Reader are now an integral part of IGP:ECMS Solutions.For example, it is an integral part of the Digital Libraries for India project.

With IGP:ECMS Solutions you get this as a standard module. IGP:RealSearch works with IGP:Online Document Reader to create an uprecedented user search and content engagement experience. This is not an optional module. It comes with the complete package and works out of the box. After a few hours of installation you can be uploading and viewing documents online immediately.