Where Source Development Meets Documentation

With only a small amount of custom tools, Juniper Networks has managed to do convert documents to multiple formats from one initial set of XML source documents and a single publishing workflow using PTC's Arbortext Editor (formerly Epic Editor) and Arbortext Publishing Engine (formerly E3). These tools have included post-processing add-ons to create .PDB and .LIT binary files and source files that are aggregated directly into the software source code for their proprietary routing platforms.

Recycling content is not a new concept. What is new here is the common back-end structure in XML form and the fact that more than one set of tools, including small, mission-critical custom tools that are explicitly focused on the specific needs of a given project. There is no longer any need for one tool to address all of the needs of every company that purchases a license. Instead we have a community of tools that is easy to expand or customize without long term lock in or breaking of the model.

Technical Publications organizations have been pursuing single-source solutions primarily to solve issues of quality and simultaneous production of multiple-output formats.

As organizations using single-sourcing solutions mature, content creators look for ways to:

• Streamline information gathering
• Simplify initial content development
• Automate content changes directly from product changes

Application-specific XML tools can unlock the previously isolated business systems and engineering source code. Mechanically-produced schema languages can be converted automatically into documentation and documentation templates. Content can be auto-generated simultaneously for:

• Technical Reference Manuals
• Time-Sensitive Release Notes
• API-Specific Implementation Information

Mission-critical, custom XML applications can enhance traditional single-sourcing environments by expanding the information model to include external organizations—engineering, marketing, technical support. Practical XML development and deployment of cross-organization tools can promote efficiency and productivity by reducing maintenance and overhead. Companies realize tangible success and immediate value-add with each application. And customers get better, more accurate, and more consistent information because information creation and publication is even more tightly woven together in an expanded single-sourcing system.

In this presentation and this paper, special attention is given to specifics of the Juniper Networks implementation.

Note: Arbortext was purchased by PTC in 2005

About the Presenter

Liz Fraley, founder of Single-Sourcing Solutions, has worked in both high-tech and government sectors, developing and delivering technical design and strategy of authoring and publishing solutions as a Single-Source/XML Architect/Programmer. Specializing in practical development and deployment, she advocates designing architectures that directly improve organizational efficiency, productivity, and interoperability. She’s the founder of TC Camp, the unconference for content creators, consumers, and the people who support them. If you ask her, she’ll say she’s a gardener who’s happiest when those around her are flourishing.

View the Slides

Presented at

• 10th Annual Arbortext User Group International Conference (AUGI 2005)
• Content Management Strategies Conference 2005

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