Publishing at the next level with XML

Arbortext has released Epic, a new solution designed to let authors collaborate on the creation, review, editing and publishing of complex documents. Based on ArborText's Adept Editor, Epic offers personalization, which lets authors select audience profiles for each document; automatic publishing -- i.e. it can generate multiple outputs (print, HTML, CD-ROM, Web) from a single document source; automatic data conversion; and browser-based feedback for sharing comments and edits electronically and remotely.

David Robinson, electronic marketing director, AT&T, likes Epic's support of XML, the much-hyped HTML successor that describes and organizes content. "Our organization continually strives to adopt best-of-breed products and technology so that we can stay on the cutting edge of quality solutions and support," he said. "That's why we're so keen to adopt ArborText's new Epic system, because we expect to gain significant improvements in time to market and lower costs."

Epic runs on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, with support for Unix and Digital platforms slated for February. Users can plug in existing software to Epic, including authoring tools, publishing systems and document management systems. Both XML and SGML are supported. Pricing is $85,000 for an entry-level configuration supporting 65 users