How and Why DITA XML Content Management Matters

For many people, the term DITA XML content management is nothing more than acronyms and words, however if you are unaware of its benefits, then read on to find out why it should matter to your business.

DITA XML content management, explained briefly, is the process of using topics and maps in order to control and manage content in a much more efficient and effective manner.

Reusable content

One of the key areas that DITA XML content management is able to help streamline for businesses is through reusing existing content across multiple documents, files and information.

As an example, if you were to research an organization who does not utilize DITA XML content management and calculate how much of their content has been copied from a specified documentation file, then the number is likely to be fairly high.Now, if this original source, or documentation file is required to be updated, all of the documents that used this information are now outdated. With a DITA XML content management system, this can be amended in a few moments with a synchronized content update.

Benefits of DITA XML Content Management

Not only does this make all of an organization’s documents easily updateable, but it also cuts down on the potential errors of editing, copying and pasting information. A synchronized content update can automatically update all relevant files and documents with the new information, allowing you to also reduce any compliance, or legal issues arising from using outdated information.

Understanding DITA

The overall idea behind a DITA based system is that when developing your content, it is done so via a number of different topics. DITA will then use maps as a way of routing which topics go into the final deliverables, which are then processed to DITA output formats to generate the end product. If it all sounds rather confusing, then fear not, as there is a reason that DITA and XML specialists exist.

How do you install a DITA XML content management system?

Once the initial positives and benefits of using a DITA XML content management system are demonstrated to a client, the next question is often, ‘how do I get one for my business?’. Unless the company already has an expert in the field, then it is highly recommended to use one of the specialized companies and contractors that exist in the field.

Not only do you have to think about the installation of the system, but you also need your staff and users to be trained on how to use the system. While this may sound like a serious commitment, in terms of time and funds, the difference and efficiency that can be gained from a DITA XML content management system is very impressive and you are likely to make these investments back in a very short space of time.

If you are going to invest in one system for your business this year, then a DITA XML content management upgrade is a sound choice for almost any organization.