Ixiasoft Upgrades XML Content Repository

Ixiasoft Inc.s XML content repository is being upgraded with new replication, version control and document security features to make it more attractive to large enterprises.

The Montreal-based company this week will unveil Version 3.0 of Textml, a native XML database that stores, indexes and retrieves XML data for use in multichannel publishing and content repurposing.

One of the softwares prime differentiators is the efficiency of its indexing technology, according to CEO Philippe Gelinas. Large organizations found that when a system went down, it could take several hours to rebuild the indexes. To fix that, Version 3.0 adds publish-and-subscribe replication capabilities; as users change data in their local applications, those changes are reflected in a backup of the central data repository.

Textml 3.0, which is due Dec. 5, also features a load balancing API for use with the replication features.

A new data structure in Version 3.0 that organizes data into hierarchical collections rather than as simple flat files enables new access control features, Gelinas said. Also new in the upgrade is the capability for administrators to restrict individuals access to data based on documents, collections or document bases.

In recognition of its large number of publishing company customers, Ixiasoft added version control capabilities in Version 3.0. This allows users to manage multiple versions of a document, retrieve earlier versions and limit the number of versions being worked on.

In an upcoming version of the software, Ixiasoft plans to extend Textml beyond the Windows platform. Linux will be the first new operating system supported, Gelinas said, but he would not give a due date for that.

In the meantime, Ixiasoft plans to consolidate Textmls place in the market. The software is not threatened by large DBMSes, which can store XML but have inferior indexing, Gelinas said, or by general-purpose content management systems.

“A lot of enterprises came to the conclusion that it is better to [use Textml] and roll their own document management solution rather than buy a Documentum [Inc. software package], which might have more functions than they need,” Gelinas said.