Separate DTDs for each type of content was the cornerstone that enabled each type of content to be updated independently. That was a two-step process in which Texterity derived the structure and then Mosby staff added missing semantics. For example, drug inserts can change at any time during the year but HCFA classifications are issued every quarter. Some content types, such as data feeds from HCFA and other sources, have to be completely reloaded on a regular basis. To meet those requirements, an SGML-based editorial system was developed by Texterity.
Editors can select drugs based upon drug ID or generic name.
The editors check out the SGML files for those drugs, edit them, and check them back in. Reports on the status and contents of the SGML files can be generated at any time, and that reporting function has become an important tool for enhancing quality. The system is browser-based and uses Java applets for each component of the editorial and production workflow. The composite SGML files are provided to selected distributors. Each medium required a one-time setup to transform the SGML into the target media.