Curated for content, computing, data, information, and digital experience professionals

Category: Collaboration and workplace (Page 44 of 96)

This category is focused on enterprise / workplace collaboration tools and strategies, including office suites, intranets, knowledge management, and enterprise adoption of social networking tools and approaches.

Structured Editing & Wikis

If you know me you will realize that I tend to revisit XML authoring tools and processes frequently. It is one of my favorite topics. The intersection of structured tools and messy human thinking and behavior is an area fraught with usability issues, development challenges, and careful business case thinking. And therefore, a topic ripe for discussion.

I had an interesting conversation with a friend about word processors and XML editors the other day. His argument was that the word processing product model may not be the best, and certainly isn’t the only, way to prepare and manage structured content.

A word processor is software that has evolved to support the creation of documents. The word processing software model was developed when people needed to create documents, and then later added formatting and other features. This model is more than 25 years old (I remember using a word processor for the first time in college in 1980).

Of course it was logical to emulate how typewriters worked since the vast majority of information at the time was destined for paper documents. Now word processors include features for writing, editing, reviewing, formatting, and limited structural elements like links, indexes, etc. Again, all very document oriented. The content produced may be reused for other purposes if transformed in a post process (e.g., it could output HTML & PDF for Web, breaking into chunks for a repository or secondary use, etc.), but there are limits and other constraints, especially if your information is primarily designed to be consumed in print or document form.

It is easy to think of XML-structured editors, and the word processor software model they are based upon, as the most likely way to create structured content. But in my opinion, structured editors pay too much homage to word processing features and processes. I also think too many  project teams assume that the only way to edit XML content is in an XML document editor. Don’t get me wrong, many people have successfully deployed XML editors and achieved targeted business goals, myself included, but I can point out many instances where an alternative approach to editing content might be more efficient.

Database tools that organize the information logically and efficiently are not likely to store that data as documents. For instance, you may have an financial system with a lot of info in relational fields that is extracted to produce printable documents like monthly statements, invoices, etc.

Or software manuals that are customized for specific configurations using reusable data objects and related document maps instead maintaining the information as static, hierarchically-organized documents.

Or aircraft information that needs to match the configuration of a specific plane or tail number, selected from a complete library of data objects stored centrally.

Or statutes that start formatted as bills, then later appear as enacted laws, then later yet again as published, codified statutes, each with their own formatting and structural peccadilloes.

Or consider a travel guide publisher that collects information on thousands of hotels, restaurants, attractions, and services in dozens of countries and cities. Sure, the content is prepared with the intent of publishing it in a book, but it is easy to see how it can be useful for other uses, including providing hotel data to travel-related Web sites, or building specialized, custom booklets for special needs (e.g., a local guide for a conference, guides to historical neighborhoods, etc.).

In these examples of what some might call database publishing, system designers need to ask them selves what would be the best tool for creating and maintaining the information. They are great candidates for a database, some application dialogs and wizards, and some extraction and transformation applications to feed Web and other platforms for consumption by users. They may not even involve an editor per se, but might rely entirely a Wiki or other dialog for content creation and editing.

Word processors require a mix of skills, including domain expertise on the subject being written about, grammar and editing, and some formatting & design, use of the software itself, etc. While I personally believe everyone, not just teachers and writers, should be skilled in writing well and making documents look legible and appealing, I realize many folks are best suited for other roles. That is why we divide labor into roles. Domain experts (e.g., lawyers, aircraft engineers, scientists and doctors, etc.) are usually responsible for accuracy and quality of the ideas and information, while editorial and product support people clean up the writing and formatting and make it presentable. So, for domain experts, it may be more efficient to provide a tool that only manages the content creation, structuring, linking, organization, etc. with limited word processing capabilities, and leave the formatting and organization to the system or another department or automated style sheets.

In my mind, a Wiki is a combination of text functionality and database management features that allow content to be created and managed in a broader Web content platform (which also may include static pages, search interfaces, pictures, PDFs, etc.). In this model, the Web is the primary use and printing is secondary. Domain experts are not bothered with concepts like page layout, running heads, tables of content generation, justification & hyphenation, etc., much to the delight of the domain experts!

I am bullish on Wikis as content creation and management tools, even when the content is destined for print. I have seen some that hide much of the structure and technical “connective tissue” from the author, but produce well formatted, integrated information. The blogging tool I am using to create this article is one example of a Wiki-like interface that has a few bells and whistles for adding structure (e.g., keywords) dedicated to a specific content creation purpose. It only emulates word processing slightly with limited formatting tools, but is loaded with other features designed to improve my blog entries. For instance, I can pick a keyword from a controlled taxonomy from a pull-down list. And all within a Web browser, not a fat client editor package. This tool is optimized for making blog content, but not for, let’s say, scientific papers or repair manuals. It is targeted for a specific class of users, bloggers. Similarly, XML-editors as we have come to know them, are more adept at creating documents and document chunks than other interfaces.

Honestly, on more than one occasion I have pounded a nail with a wrench, or tightened a bolt with the wrong kind of pliers. Usually I get the same results, but sometimes it takes longer or has a less desirable result than if I had used a more appropriate tool. The same is true for editing tools.

On a final note, forgive me if I make a gratuitous plug, but authoring approaches and tools will be the subject of a panel I am chairing at the Gilbane San Francisco conference in early June if you want to hear more. </>

JustSystems Updates Content Contribution Capabilities in XMetaL Reviewer

JustSystems announced XMetaL Reviewer 5.5, the latest version of the company’s collaborative XML document reviewing software. Reinforcing the central role of document review and collaboration in the overall authoring process, XMetaL Reviewer lets subject matter experts and others contribute content directly to the documents under review. The latest version of XMetaL Reviewer also gains usability, connectivity, integration, and administration enhancements. XMetaL Reviewer moves the document review process beyond a read-only exercise that prevents reviewers from suggesting detailed edits to the documents being reviewed. Now, reviewers can actively contribute new content and rewrite entire sections of a document. Using the addendum editor, XMetaL Reviewer users with no knowledge of XML can contribute structured content, insert images, and create lists, tables, and whole sections for consideration as document modifications. In addition to harnessing the expertise of document reviewers, XMetaL Reviewer offers users a consolidated view of all their suggested changes which are displayed to all reviewers in real time, as the changes are being made. An audit trail tracks all document changes, and an inline chat feature lets reviewers discuss content changes in real time. XMetaL Reviewer 5.5 is available today with prices starting at $15,000 for the server and five concurrent user licenses. Additional concurrent licenses are $2,500 for five users. http://www.justsystems.com

Gilbane Group’s use of Twitter

We’ve started using Twitter in multiple ways, and while our use of it will certainly evolve, I thought it would be helpful to point how what we are doing with it. (I’ll save thoughts about how it could or should be used for another time.)

Any suggestions on how else we might use Twitter?

2009 Gilbane San Francisco Conference to Focus on Business Impact of Global Content Management and Social Media

One of the most closely watched technology trends for 2009 is the need for enterprises to leverage new web platforms while holding down the costs of managing their ever-proliferating content. Even in the midst of the current economic downturn, critical areas related to global business content will see double-digit growth over the next 12 months – including spending on search technologies which is projected to represent almost half of all digital spending by businesses in 2009, along with rising corporate investment in social media tools (Source: Winterberry Group). Reflecting these fundamental shifts in the way enterprises engage with customers and disseminate information, the sixth annual Gilbane San Francisco June 2-4, 2009 at the Westin Hotel in San Francisco – will focus on the timely theme “Where Content Management Meets Social Media.” Produced by The Gilbane Group and Lighthouse Seminars, the 2009 Gilbane San Francisco conference will offer enhanced programs tied to the business issues surrounding a company’s marketing, technical and enterprise content. The conference tracks have been organized around the four major areas of how enterprises use Web and content technologies and where they are most likely to invest, including: Web Business & Engagement; Managing Collaboration & Social Media; Enterprise Content: Searching, Integrating & Publishing; and Content Infrastructure. Gilbane San Francisco brings together industry experts from leading technology, enterprise IT, analyst, and consulting firms who provide attendees with the latest successful content management and new media strategies, technologies and techniques. In addition to the latest best practices, technology coverage within these four tracks will include enterprise and site search; content globalization; semantic technologies; publishing; XML; and social media tools and platforms from Twitter to business blogs, project wikis and microformats. The just-published schedule of conference sessions can be viewed at http://gilbanesf.com/conference-schedule.html.

Pre-conference workshops will feature industry thought leaders covering core topics in web content, new media, Sharepoint and more — the full schedule of workshops can be found at http://gilbanesf.com/workshops.html. IT and business professionals involved in content creation, management, delivery or analytics wishing to attend the conference may register at: http://gilbanesf.com/registration_information.html. Technology solution providers wishing to exhibit or sponsor should visit: http://gilbanesf.com/exhibitors_sponsors.html. Follow the conference on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/gilbanesf

 

From the FastForward Blogger: A Microsoft User Group Meeting

I was at FastForward last week, invited to be a participant in a panel of bloggers on the last day, tasked to react to three days of executive, partner and customer presentations to the FAST search user community. Four of us had more ideas than we could share in a 30 minute panel session. The other three fellows on the panel are regular bloggers on FastForward. Along with them, I had the pleasure of listening to and speaking with numerous other industry analysts and commentators over the three-day period in the “blogger/analyst lounge” where we gathered between sessions.

Before making some observations of my own, I will introduce you to a few of the folks who have had and will continue to have a continuing presence in the content and search arena, particularly as it relates to social tools and knowledge management, two tightly connected areas of interest.

Each of us was interviewed for a kind of video blog session during the meeting. Although you can’t view the panel from the final keynote session, I can share these links that will give you an idea of what my cohorts were thinking about the meeting and the state of FastForward in 2009. They are:

  • Jon Husband, social computing thought leader and architect. He has coined the term “wirearchy,” which aptly describes a flow of connectedness over the wires (and wireless) air waves. I really liked his observations about how social technologies encourage self-organizing around issues and make group action so much easier. His interview is a good listen and his blog is fun, too.
  • Jevon MacDonald, founder of Firestoker and FASTforward blog contributor, had some helpful comments in his interview about the usefulness of social media in aiding companies to be more responsive to their customers.
  • Euan Semple, independent advisor on social computing, elevated the discussion in favor of social tools improving the flow of knowledge, which is really the point of all this content and search related technology, as far as I am concerned. You’ll enjoy the interview with Euan in which he also comments on the ratio of men to women and the IT-centric audience at the meeting, something I observed, as well.
  • I was also interviewed by Josh-Michéle Ross and my thoughts dovetailed with the others in keeping with the social them of “engage your user,” the conference tag line. My mantra throughout the conference and after is that there was just not enough emphasis on how teams work together to build highly functional and easy-flowing search experiences for users. The process of creating a social platform in which search is present in subtle ways that assist connectedness among experts and their content requires human design; this is an art that can’t be left to “out-of-the-box” installed technologies. It is a task for those with an aptitude for what users really want, need and will use without being force-fed or artificially manipulated. Here are my comments in the interview.

Other interviews of interest can be found at the FastForward Bloggers page where a lot of thought leaders including Rob Paterson, Bill Ives, Clay Shirky, Charlene Li and Jim McGee among many others put forth some thoughtful comments about the state of technology.

Our panel moderator was, Perry Solomon, VP Business Development and General Manager, Worldwide Media Solutions – FAST. While on the big stage we did not get to speak on all the ideas he asked about in our preparatory session, I can bring them to light in the following. Solomon asked these questions followed by my thoughts after a few days to digest the meeting:

Q: How was the meeting balance in terms of search technology versus use?
LWM: The use cases were compelling and well presented. They were highly evocative of the best applications we can achieve with technology using all the social tools and content management options now available. This is appropriate in keynote/big theatre presentations but what I did not find in the few breakout sessions was more about the “nuts and bolts” of the human design and understanding needed to integrate components.

Among the attendees that I met during meals (system integrator partners from small firms and IT people who were struggling to build applications their internal customers wanted), there was a sense that not enough substantive information was being shared. They had hoped for more “how to” and concrete case studies that described the process of getting from purchasing licenses to deploying solutions. When I suggested to some of these Microsoft customers that it might be helpful to have more of their content managers and search administrators in the audience, they all agreed. None carried an attitude that they were going to design and implement these highly sophisticated content/search solutions with just members of the IT department. Business users were also notably absent from the meeting.

Q: What was the impact of the announcement about product news, FastSearch for Internet Business and FastSearch for SharePoint?
LWM: My own reaction was that it was a logical way to begin to roll out the FAST product with existing and evolving Microsoft products. It was not surprising, revolutionary or exciting. MS is clearly committed to making something of its huge investment in FAST; to align it with the rapidly evolving and highly popular SharePoint is smart business. The sentiment of others I spoke with was pretty much the same, sprinkled with a fair amount of skepticism about schedules for delivery and how well the products will be supported with services and documentation. Cost of ownership is always a big worry; what it will take to get the sizzle and super search results from this technology without a huge amount of human investment and skill on the part of customers or third-party integrators stimulates a deep “wait-and-see” attitude among most.

Q: What was missing or not addressed in the sessions?
LWM: The lack of presentations and involvement of non-IT people. While MS is highly responsive to the IT person’s desire for standardizing on a full-function platform and set of tools from a single supplier, this is not the reality in the marketplace. Content is created, manipulated and re-purposed with hundreds of applications that are used by business owners and content managers who bring a deep understanding of what needs to be applied to get the “social” workflow operational and productive in any given culture. My own bias is that the subtleties of organizational culture are often lost on many in IT but are more understood by those deeply immersed in engagement with both experts and their content. A “user-group” meeting must include these “others” and have sessions that support their professional interests so they come away learning substantive stuff from those others in similar situations.

Although “search” was the nominal reason for the meeting, there was no discussion about what it takes to get to the ultimate “user-engagement.” Search remains, “smoke and mirrors.” Search behind the firewall was still pretty thin as a concept and the emphasis was on e-commerce and monetization. There was a lot of talk about business & customer experiences engaging with search but not much substance as to how to actually create rich search experiences.

Q: What are we going to be talking about a year from now?
LWM: I hope the engagement will provide less visionary “hype,” which is not real high-value for the audience in heavy doses. If the meeting becomes more about getting customers to a successful outcome through the engagement of teams with IT, developers, content and business owners coming to a problem using a thoughtful design approach, attendees will leave with a higher commitment to embrace the technology.

Finally, I believe that, as FastSearch solutions are implemented and tested, customers will come to these meetings with higher expectations for helpful case studies that talk about “how the sausage is made,” the role of connectors and the actual tuning for higher relevancy. Much reference to search federation will give way to what federation really is and its many tiers of sophistication. Presentation of search results in ways that are compelling and trustworthy for users will need to be explained in more substantive sessions. I hope that we will be talking about social team interaction for implementing compelling search technology experiences for users.

Gilbane San Francisco pre-conference workshops posted

The main conference program for Gilbane San Francisco 2009 will be published in a week or two, but the 1/2 day pre-conference workshop descriptions for June 2nd have been posted:

  • How to Select a Web Content Management System
    Instructor: Seth Gottlieb, Principal, Content Here
  • Making SharePoint Work in the Enterprise
    Instructor: Shawn Shell, Principal, Consejo, Inc.
  • Managing the Web: The Fundamentals of Web Operations Management
    Instructor: Lisa Welchman, Founding Partner, Welchman Pierpoint
  • Getting Started with Business Taxonomy Design
    Instructors: Joseph A. Busch, Founder and Principal, & Ron Daniel, Principal, Taxonomy Strategies LLC
  • Sailing the Open Seas of New Media
    Instructor: Chris Brogan, President, New Marketing Labs, LLC

Ephox Brings Online Content Authoring to IBM Lotus Quickr

Ephox announced the release of a new integration of its rich text editor into IBM’s Lotus Quickr. Lotus Quickr is team collaboration software that helps enterprises share content, collaborate and work faster online. It goes beyond traditional document sharing by adding web-based collaboration with wikis, blogs and team web pages. EditLive! addresses this need with a Word-like authoring experience. It also offers capabilities for image editing, track changes, table editing and accessibility checking. EditLive! integrations for the WebSphere Portal and the Lotus Domino versions of Quickr are available now. The integration for the Quickr Domino platform was co-developed by the PSC Group, a Lotus consulting firm. http://www.ephox.com

Mark Logic Corporation Releases MarkLogic Toolkit for Word

Mark Logic Corporation announced the MarkLogic Toolkit for Word. Distributed under the open-source Apache 2.0 license, the MarkLogic Toolkit for Word delivers a free, simple way for developers to combine native XML-based functionality in both MarkLogic Server and the most common content authoring environment, Microsoft Office Word 2007. Developers can build applications for finding and reusing enterprise content, enriching documents for search and analytics, and enhancing documents with custom metadata. The MarkLogic Toolkit for Word includes a pre-built plug-in framework for Microsoft Office Word 2007, a sample application, and an extensive library for managing and manipulating Microsoft Office Word 2007 documents. Intelligent Authoring – the MarkLogic Toolkit for Word provides the ability to build a role- and task-aware application within Microsoft Office Word 2007 to improve the content authoring process. This functionality allows users to easily locate and preview content at any level of granularity and insert it into an active document, as well as manage custom document metadata. The MarkLogic Toolkit for Word allows developers to build content applications that leverage Office Open XML, the native XML-based format of Microsoft Office Word 2007. The MarkLogic Toolkit for Word includes an add-in application for deploying web-based content applications into Microsoft Office Word 2007. This enables developers to use web development techniques, such as HTML, JavaScript, and .NET to build applications that work in concert with the Microsoft Office Word 2007 authoring environment. The MarkLogic Toolkit for Word also provides XQuery libraries that simplify working with Office Open XML for granular search, dynamic assembly, transformation, and delivery with MarkLogic Server. By leveraging the underlying XML markup, content applications built with MarkLogic and Microsoft Office Word 2007 can “round-trip” documents between various formats. The MarkLogic Toolkit for Word allows developers to inspect, modify, and even redistribute the source code to meet specific needs. You can download the latest release of MarkLogic Toolkit for Word at the Mark Logic Developer Workshop. http://www.marklogic.com

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