SDL acquires XML editor, Xopus

July 7, 2010 — 7:26am ET | By Ron Miller

Tools

Tags
XML Content Management
XML Editors
SDL
Xopus

SDL is hoping its purchase this week of XML editor, Xopus will bring XML to the masses. A Quick look at the Xopus website shows they have wasted no time adopting the SDL brand including its colors and logos--fast work.

The idea behind the purchase appears to be to extend structured authoring beyond the typical usage inside the technical documentation department. It could for example, provide a way for non-technical reviewers to contribute, edit and comment inside the Xopus editor, something that is usually out of the technical reach of most users.

What's more, since it's browser-based Xopus provides an easier way to access and use the editor. It forces compliance to structure through pre-validation so that end users don't have to figure out any problems, which would probably be a stop point for most users.

David Houlihan, an analyst at the Aberdeen Group says that this purchase makes sense for SDL. "We find that 71 percent of companies review documentation with three or more departments outside of technical publications, and as many as 24 percent of companies seeking input from five or more departments." He says this means you need a simpler editing tool for these folks.

Mary LaPlante from Gilbane Group agrees saying this is a smart move by SDL, which expands XML in the enterprise. "Companies can wring more value out of XML content when it’s accessible to functions like customer self-service, eCommerce, and R&D. This is good news for XML advocates within the enterprise who have long struggled to communicate its value to peer groups and executives. The more value from XML, the easier to make a business case for investments in XML solutions such as SDL’s component content management systems," she said.

As someone who has experienced in technical writing, working in XML editors, and the review process; I'm still skeptical that non-technical end users can indeed grasp the complexities of working in an XML editor, but if Xopus hides those complexities as it claims, I'm ready to be surprised.

For more information:
- the SDL press release