Interleaf and Microstar to deliver XML with BladeRunner
Interleaf (Waltham, MA) and Microstar Software (Ontario) will co-develop a visual XML document assembly and authoring environment. BladeRunner will consist of an integrated visual data type definition (DTD) modeling tool, WYSIWYG authoring and assembly environment, and publishing engine designed for users of varying XML and SGML expertise. BladeRunner users will be able to assemble information from various authoring tools and document-centric applications like Word and Lotus Notes, convert existing documents into XML documents, and export and output documents in various formats, including HTML, XML and PDF. "Combining visual DTD modeling with WYSIWYG document authoring and assembly is an excellent idea," said Sean Sullivan, Multimedia Manager at Siemens PowerCorporation. Using BladeRunner will help "significantly lower XML setup, training and support costs. The end result would be improvements in the consistency, quality, completeness and maintainability of our manufactured products." BladeRunner, a Windows NT-based product, will be available in Q3 '98; pricing will be announced before general availability.