SPHINX
SPHINX, (System for Processing Hierarchical INformation using XML) is an innovative document management solution that combines the best aspects of document management with that of a more granular content management approach. Users can thus retain the workflow advantages of managing groups of documents yet edit, retrieve and repurpose portions of the content. In short, SPHINX is a systematic mechanism for managing the life cycle of document populations.
Moving from Documents to Databases and Back
SPHINX begins with a template (or templates) based on a DTD that is distributed to authors or contributing editors as documents. Authors can thus create content using COTS word processing applications or XML editors and append additional elements such as illustrations. maps, display math or tables. Upon completion, the documents are parsed, validated and imported into a database that is the containing repository for the document population.
The importation process involves breaking documents into editable 'chunks' that are subsequently managed and updated in a fielded interface. The architecture and design of this system thus provides for a secure data repository with all controls and security options provided by the database system. Data will be stored in fields rather than as files and import and export status will be tracked and controlled systematically. Strict validation rules are a feature of the ATLIS solution. Authority tables and business rules as well as a system DTD (or multiple DTDs) are controls designed to manage and validate the data.
Editors can thus maintain documents as fielded data and update the elements based on management requirements. Free text can be edited within the application or via a third party plug-in such as Epic or Xmetal. More granular elements and metadata can be entered and validated within the application's interface.
Versioning and Document Tracking
SPHINX provides the tools for keeping track of and properly versioning dynamic content. Full revision history, check- in/check-out, document status, and configurable workflow are features of the system. Optional web-based collaborative tracking applications are easily integrated into the system.
Repurposing Content
A key part application’s functionality is the ability to create subsets and combinations of data for export as datasets. The list of possible extractions is virtually limitless because the extraction system is based on simple SQL queries. Integrated into the application is the ability to export these datasets in a number of ways. Options include XML, HTML, delimited files or virtually any tagged format.
While developed for the reference publishing market, SPHINX is an ideal solution for businesses that must maintain large document populations in a collaborative environment. It also an effective application for web content management as well as published products
Features include:
- Link management for related documents and text
- Security Check in and check out and updates
- History log and tracking Version, revision, routing, and approval
- Comments field Permanently capture user notes
- Established Tree structure with multiple views
- Log and retain all users and views available for each document
- Scalable and easily deployed —designed to grow with changing system requirements
- A single point of control Administration provides for added security
- Offers both Internet and desktop document delivery
