The latest update to the authoring and publishing software aims to unite simple word processing and XML.This week Adobe Systems Inc. unveiled the update to its authoring and publishing software FrameMaker 7.2, targeted at easing the migration from unstructured to structured documents and enabling more expedient repurposing of content.
FrameMaker 7.2 features an Unstructured to Structured Migration Guide for users contemplating the steps required to adopt an XML workflow.
This release also features built-in conversion tools to ensure documents will retain character and paragraph styles after conversion.
"FrameMaker software's advanced capabilities enable forward-looking enterprises—high-tech industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, semiconductors and information technology—to leverage the power of XML and produce compelling print, Web and PDF content," said John Brennan, senior vice president of corporate development at San Jose, Calif.-based Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Additionally, the 7.2 release adds XML Schema support for publishers who process data from multiple sources and require support of XML with DTDs (Document Type Definitions) or XML Schema.
FrameMaker 7.2 offers new structured templates for authors to follow, including a sample application of DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture), a popular XML-based end-to-end architecture for authoring, organizing, producing and distributing technical information.
FrameMaker 7.2 includes a WYSIWYG interface to ease authoring and editing in XML.
Authors will also find the new Multiple Undo feature to reverse edits such as Change Font and Import File useful in expediting the authoring process.
The History Palette gives authors the capability to view recent changes in one space and undo multiple edits with one click.
Adobe FrameMaker 7.2 for Windows is available this month and is priced at $799 for the full desktop version. A Sun Solaris version is priced at $1329. A Mac OS X version is not currently offered.
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