The SGML Implementation Guide, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1995 A Blueprint for SGML Migration

Foreword------------------------------------- SGML is misunderstood and underestimated. I have always wanted to write this book. I am pleased that two people with whom I have had the pleasure to work were finally able to do so. Since I have always been a bit of an evangelist, I feel pride when my "students" become recognized "teachers". In the early years of SGML we struggled to define a language that would bring the information to its rightful place. We succeeded. Then we had to explain these idea to technical adoptors. Again, I think we have succeeded. We have learned much about SGML in the process of implementing it. These experiences must now also be shared, along with comprehensible information on the lan­ guage itself. The word must move out of the lab and the computer center and reach the business people, the users, the movers and shakers. The next generation will do things with SGML that we can't even imagine yet- it is that versatile.

I / The Business Issues.- 1 / Your Publishing System is Broken!.- 2 / Evolution of Publishing Systems.- 3 / Desktop Publishing and Professional Publishing Systems.- 4 / The SGML Environment.- II / The Project.- 5 / Document Analysis.- 6 / The SGML Application.- 7 / Implementation Planning.- 8 / Information Conversion.- 9 / SGML Data Management and Workflow.- III/The Language.- 10 / Understanding SGML.- 11 / Building the DTD.- 12 / Tipniques and Pratfalls.- Appendices.- Appendix 1 / Case Study: RIA TIGRE System.- Background.- Issues Faced by RIA.- Enabling Technologies Employed.- System Components.- Critical System Features.- Seamless Access.- Conflicting Concurrent Structures.- Access by Element and Physical Views, and Ranges of Each.- Master Databases.- Batch Composition.- Workflow and Work-in-progress.- SGML-smart Editing.- Successes and Difficulties.- Critical Success Factors.- Appendix 2 / Case Study: Kodak Technical Information Documentation.- Background.- Scope and Goals.- The Project.- Future.- Appendix 3 / Case Study; Douglas Aircraft Company.- The Need for SGML at Douglas Aircraft.- Meeting Modern ATA Requirements.- Improve Customer Satisfaction.- Improve Customer Satisfaction.- Accomplishments To Date.- Requirements Gathering.- System Architecture and Design.- Proof-of-Concept System.- Implementation of Production Service Bulletin System.- Lessons Learned.- Future.- Summary.- Appendix 4 / Colophon: How this Book was Produced.- Data Gathering.- Initial Authoring.- SGML Conversion.- SGML Production.- Ventura Publisher Used for Output.- Tables.- Graphics.- Valid SGML Examples.- World Wide Web Access.- Text as Data.- Production Credits.- Appendix 5 / Brian and Dale’s Excellent DTD.- Appendix 6 / Fully Commented SGML Declaration.- Default SGML Declaration.- FullyDefined SGML Declaration.- Appendix 7 / Glossary of Terms and Acronyms.- Appendix 8 / SGML Resources.- Parsers.- Editors.- Document Modeling Tools.- Browsers.- Translators.- Formatters/Paginators.- Data Management Systems.- World Wide Web Applications.- Workflow Products.- Consulting Services.- Conversion Services.- Periodicals.- User Community.- Standards Publications.- Conferences.- Organizations.- Publications.- Seminars.- Miscellany.- Appendix 9 / Addresses of SGML Companies.- Appendix 10/Index.

This book gives you the tools needed to get implementation started and provides help in every step of the process, from the business case, through data migration to application development and training. There is also a technical appendix covering the SGML standard and what is necessary to write SGML applications. This book contains years of practical experience by the authors. The reader will get up-to-speed very quickly,and will be able to build the business case and implement an SGML system in his organization.