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This latest version of SoftQuad's XML and SGML authoring tool adds new features such as support for WebDAV and greater accessibility to XML for Java developers.
There are also improvements to XMetaL's word processing style interface, including support for revision marking.
XMetaL 3.0 includes a number of new tools aimed at developers. In addition to existing features such as acting as both a COM server and client, its API has been extended to allow Java programmers to access XML code without the need to create a COM wrapper. The software can also connect to Microsoft's Windows Scripting Host.
For content creators, a simplified version of XMetaL's interface enables data entry in a word processor-style front end. The Normal interface hides XML tags and can be configured to emulate Word. An alternative Tags On view shows both XML constructs and the content in a structured format.
It's also possible to customise the interface, for example removing menu options that aren't required by content creators.
A Resource Manager assists in organising objects within a development. These can include graphics, boilerplate text, or any other frequently used elements of a project. ActiveX controls can also be hosted from within the Resource Manager.
XMetaL supports the XSD XML Schemas standard. As a result it will accept both XSDs and DTDs from external XML developments, as well as enabling users to develop using either approach. It also supports well-formed editing, allowing XML documents to be opened without a DTD.
Although XMetaL 3.0 requires some customisation in order to produce the best results, it's a worthwhile upgrade, particularly for developers.
If you're approaching XML authoring for the first time, there's little competition to XMetaL as a complete XML authoring tool.
Price: £299.99 (ex. VAT).
Minimum requirements: Windows 98/ME/2000/NT 4.0/XP; Pentium 133MHz; 32MB of Ram; 40MB hard drive space.
Contact: SoftQuad 01727 733 300
www.softquad.com
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