DITA From Legacy to the Future


Bernard Aschwanden
President, Publishing Smarter


Online Courses

DITA From Legacy to the Future

1 November-13 December 2016 (Tuesdays) | 2:30 – 3:30 PM EST (GMT -5)


Learning Objectives:

  • Identify XML tagging and syntax in relation to DITA
  • Build DITA map documents
  • Use Adobe FrameMaker, JustSystems XMetaL, oXygen XML, Syntext Serna and other tools to build DITA files

 Session Breakdown


What is behind DITA, how does it work, and how can a DITA-based publishing system benefit you? Identify the core elements of DITA and learn which ones you are likely to encounter every day. Once common elements are understood you’ll see that DITA provides guidance, not an arbitrary and strict workflow with no room for creativity. Tables, images, notes/warning, detailed tasks, and more are all supported by DITA.




When working with several tools you should ensure documents can be interchanged. DITA provides this. Imagine file neutrality with no dependency on your software tools. By working with DITA correctly, you don’t need to use a single tool anymore and instead can use the right tool for the job. Regardless of the job, mix and match software because you use DITA, and therefore, you aren’t trapped into using any specific product.

Any DITA project must ensure the right content is created by the right people and then distributed in formats best suited to the audience. To that end, files that are created by you–as a group–are compiled into a working finished product. Samples will be distributed to attendees, and everyone has a chance to contribute content to the finished files. More than “show and tell,” the course wraps up with an interactive project that emulates ideas from the real-world of DITA management, authoring, and publishing.



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