Content Convergence & Integration 2008

Of the many lessons that can be taken from the explosive rise of Web 2.0 technologies, one that is worth highlighting is one that has been learned at least once before. Simplicity wins. Without denigrating or under-estimating the sophistication of some of the underlying technology, one can confidently say that it was the introduction of a set of simple-to-use interactive capabilities, loosely called Web 2.0, sparked the second wave of global web adoption. This lesson has special meaning for DITA and its own groundswell of support is further evidence that our content technologies need to become progressively more invisible.

Within their different domains, and obviously on very different scales, Web 2.0 and DITA share some interesting features. In particular, both have provoked significant interest and to a lesser extent adoption. When set into context, the common aspects of Web 2.0 and DITA become more striking. Essentially, both Web 2.0 and DITA provide a shorter path to satisfaction. With Web 2.0, the availability of so much re-useable, indeed “mash-able”, content and a set of loosely-coupled and XML-enabled technologies has made it possible for literally anyone to add, as well as extract, value. With DITA, there is hope that we will soon transcend the years of frustratingly slow progress on the application of XML-enabled technologies to the genuinely hard work of creating, managing and disseminating high-quality content. For Web 2.0, there is a good prospect the web can now become a venue for higher-quality product information and virtuous circles of global collaboration. For DITA, there is a chance that Web 2.0 technologies can resolve persistent challenges in usability and that the spirit of simplicity will be indulged even more completely – leading ultimately to the fulfilment of the DITA promise and with that its disappearance.