Although XML gets a lot of attention as a format for handling dynamic data transactions in business integration and Web services, it is also regularly used for data-rich documents. SoftQuad Softwares new version of XMetal bolsters the already strong XML document editor with improved usability and support for new XML standards.
Among the principal new usability features in XMetal 3 are more Microsoft Word-like interface features, including support for revision marking. XMetal can preview and save documents in HTML and PDF formats.
Support for WebDav makes it much easier to use XMetal to edit documents that are stored on a Web site, and support for the World Wide Web Consortiums XML schema format makes the tool much more useful for creating business-to-business documents such as purchase orders.
While much of the focus of XMetal is on document creation, a new Java API makes it possible to use XMetal in conjunction with Web application and services development.
XMetal 3 costs $495. For more information, go to www.softquad.com.