Avalanche/Interleaf: FastTAG

FastTAG is a commercial package for adding structure to input documents as part of a conversion process. It is particularly useful for converting documents into SGML because of its visual recognition capabilities.

Product: FastTAG

Type: Pattern Recognition and Conversion Package

Platforms: MS/DOS, Windows, UNIX

Provider: Interleaf/Avalanche

Contact Location: Interleaf/Avalanche

Telephone: (303) 449-5032

http://www.ileaf.com/avhome/homepage.html

SGML conversion processing often involves the input of documents produced in word processors without the benefits of structure (such as through the use of common styles). Such documents typically “suggest” structure through various types of formatting (font type and size, bold text, the use of white space/blank lines, and so on).

The process of translating such “suggested” structure into the formal structure that can be defined in a DTD can be difficult and time-consuming. Without specialized tools to aid in the process, such conversions can be highly manual activities.

FastTAG is a powerful tool for performing such conversions. Using a “visual recognition engine,” FastTAG provides the capability of recognizing data objects in the context of the visual “look” within a document. (This capability is particularly useful in the conversion of tables that occur within a document.) After specific objects are recognized, they can be processed according to specific user-created processing instructions. The functional capabilities of FastTAG are illustrated in figure 28.3.

Fig. 28.3  The FastTAG pattern recognition/conversion package uses a “visual recognition engine” to recognize data objects within documents.

Avalanche’s companion product, Hammer, provides the capability to translate SGML documents into other formats, including proprietary formats (such as Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, FrameMaker, and Interleaf) as well as other SGML document formats.

From Here…

This concludes our look at the range of tools available for creating and maintaining SGML documents. Because of the rapid pace of change in available programs that support SGML, you should expect more and more choices in this area as vendors enhance their current products and introduce even more new products.

From here, you should examine the following:

•  Part VIII, “Becoming an Electronic Publisher,” examines the area of electronic publishing. You’ll take a look at the issues involved with electronic publishing and how they are changing. Among these issues is the mix of new technologies, such as the use of SGML with object-oriented technology.