Quark announced this week the release of Quark XML 4.0, the XML add-in tool for Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) Word. Updates include enhanced DITA mapping and support for Microsoft Word 2010.

Companies have sometimes struggled finding the right structured authoring tools, and for many companies working in the friendly confines of Microsoft Word, a tool they are already familiar with makes the transition a little easier.

Michael Boses, director of XML products for Quark sees more and more companies looking to take advantage of the efficiency that structured writing brings organizations. 

"Quark XML Author 4.0 further minimizes the complexities of XML so that organizations can take advantage of XML for all types of documents across all departments," he said.

It also probably helps in the review process to have documents inside Microsoft Word so reviewers don't necessarily have to understand how to use an XML editor to make comments.

Stephanie Pieruccini, a research analyst for InfoTrends says customers are increasingly demanding quality documentation across a variety of channels and authoring in XML can help facilitate speedy publishing across channels. 

Other enhancements include Quick Start Templates that provide an easy way to get started without having to understand XML.

Quark XML 4.0 will be available on June 24th.

For more information:
- see the Quark press release

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