DITA is a standard for writing and storing content in modular, format-independent 'topics'.
Topics are 'information units', which are smaller than a whole document or traditional book 'chapter'. Each covers a single process, concept, reference,etc. By separating content into topics, it can then be managed, reused, and updated independently even when used in multiple documents or publications. Unlike other "fixed" standards like HTML or DocBook, DITA is not only an XML document type definition (DTD) specification, but provides a system of "Specialisation" which allows one to extend DITA, by adding elements for specific departmental or company needs.
These Specialisations allow organisations to still use any DITA-compliant tools for creation, management, or publishing without additional development or customisation overhead - unlike traditional XML where customisation is always required. This translates into much lower total cost of ownership on DITA systems.
DITA is the fastest growing information standard for technical information. It is in use in organisations like Nortel, Cisco, Nokia, IBM, Adobe, Research In Motion (RIM, makers of the Blackberry), Schlumberger, Motorola,and many more.
DITA improves on previous standards by being built to bemodular, and enabling a balance between internal, external and departmentalneeds all within a single document. It is significantly simpler to adopt and implement compared with previous XML standards. This is because of its flexibility, rich out-of-box support from vendors, and smaller, simpler tag set and content model. To understand how DITA works, it's recommended to attended aseminar/webinar, or read some of the industry-leading white papers available. The Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA) is an XML-based architecture for authoring, producing, and delivering technical information.
DITA Enterprise Business Documents SubCommittee
Mekon has not only helped our customers move to DITA. In addition we contribute to the DITA Specification itself.
One of the most interesting new development in the DITA stadard is the OASIS DITA Enterprise Business Documents Sub Committe. Mekon have rolled out solutions for "non-tech docs" solutions using DITA, and intend to spearhead opportunities to take DITA into new areas of the Enterprise.
