e.docs:

XML-light Content Management

By Liz Levy

XML can be used to tag even the smallest element of information within a document. That can come in handy if you’re dealing with a manufacturing document or a Department of Defense contract in which a single phrase can make a crucial difference. But not every document needs to be broken down to this level of detail. For some, simply distinguishing between pages, sections and paragraphs is enough. Accessing content at this level can still create powerful business applications.

Xpedio Content Server is a content management platform that automates many of the processes associated with deploying content-centric Web applications. Released this fall by IntraNet Solutions (www.intranetsol.com), the system is targeted at apps such as customer relationship management, supply chain management and general Web-based collaboration.

Xpedio provides tools for managing content and publishing it on intranets, extranets and corporate Web sites. It’s based on the same underlying technology as IntraNet Solutions’ Intra.doc Web-based document management software, relying on open standards and built on a Java server-based architecture.

Resource Locator · Ikon Office Solutions is implementing the Xpedio Content Server for their Digital Express Web site. Visit the site at http://bds.ikon.net. · All Java programs, including Xpedio, are run on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). If you want to know more about JVM, go to Sun Microsystems’ Java site at http://java.sun.com. InfoBytes · Based on a recent survey of 249 XML users by Cap Ventures, 69% of respondents are currently in the planning phases of XML implementations, 19% are running pilot projects and only 10% are in production mode. Metadata Vendor: IntraNet Solutions, Eden Prairie, MN, 612-903-2000 Product: Xpedio Content Server Description: Content management and automated publishing system for building Web sites and driving Web-based customer relationship management, supply chain management and general Web-based collaboration. Features: Automated conversion to PDF and HTML, indexing, search and retrieval, check-in/check-out, personalized content delivery with security, template and Web site management, ERP integration module. Client: MS IE 4.0, Netscape Navigator 4.6 Server: MS Windows NT 4.0, MS IIS 4.0 Price: Xpedio Content Server is $125,000 for unlimited users and contributors; Content Publisher is $30,000; ReportSite is $50,000 ProductInfo 207

Xpedio tackles automatic conversion and publishing in both PDF and HTML with a Content Publisher module. The module can also input data and forms in XML and convert documents from Office, Corel, Lotus, FrameMaker and Interleaf platforms.

The Publisher relies on Microsoft Word as its primary editing tool for supporting less structured documents. The product uses the style headings supplied by Word (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2, Normal) to recognize the basic elements of documents. An automated “abstraction” process identifies and separates those components in order to assign specific attributes including formatting and custom tagging.

Xpedio also makes use of the template features of Word. You can create your own to suit your documents or choose from among a pre-defined set supplied with the software. Changes made to the templates are automatically reflected in all documents associated with that template. Attaching text or image files to a template automatically creates a reusable element that is published to all of the associated files.

Users, rather than system administrators, can set up access rules that apply to each document they create. When new users log on to the Web site, they are granted access (and view tables of contents) based on author- or administrator-defined permissions. Users can perform searches or have documents automatically retrieved based on personal profiles. The system gives you the check-in and check-out functionality common to document management apps, and once a document is checked out, it can be edited in its native app.

Xpedio’s ReportSite module integrates ERP, CRM and other report-driven applications with Content Server to provide access to enterprise reports on the Internet and partner extranets. The module can parse reports to separate out information for custom publishing applications. For example, in a sales and customer support application, price information that is only pertinent to sales can be dropped out of the reports offered to customer support personnel.

Xpedio Content Server provides the basics and some sophisticated features for content management and Web publishing with the ability to recognize page elements and attributes. The system is an ideal tool for those who don’t want to get bogged down in complexity but who need to produce content-driven Web applications.