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1995 - 2000 [TOC] Worked on bilingual reference books in sgml using SoftQuad AuthorEditor software and Adobi Framemaker. Many frustrations with the user-unfriendly nature of these proprietary software packages which were not specifically designed for lexicographical work. Also frustrations with sgml as a mark up language for reference publishing work. Developed own DTD.s. Worked on sgml tagging of scientific journals for uploading onto major US medical reference sites. 2001-2003 November 2001 [TOC] Contracted with Findesign (Barcelona) to develop our own reference publishing software, particularly creating databases and search systems. We also discussed file management systems with Findesign but did not contract any work on this. We were experiencing major file management problems when working with multiple out-of-house subcontractors (editors) but could not afford to contract for this work at the time. Contracted with Findesign to create an ELLA Associates website Started work on bilingual reference books in XML using XMetaL. Found this software extremely user-unfriendly and inappropriate to reference publishing work. 2002 [TOC] Findesign deliver website and sgml editor and database software. The editing software had not been specifically requested by ELLA but the developers decided to create an sgml editing interface as a complementary tool to the database facilities. sgml editing software and database software go on to the ELLA website September 2002 [TOC] ELLA request a quote from Findesign for a stand alone sgml editor (based on the original one supplied to ELLA) which could be offered free on the website. The business strategy was to use the free distribution of a user-friendly sgml editor to help generate reference publishing work for ELLA and position the company as a serious player especially in minority language reference publishing. Findesign come back with a proposal to jointly develop an XML editor (eventually to be named ALEXIS). ELLA agrees to this because experience with XMetaL suggests there is a market for user-friendly XML editing software. The initial marketing strategy was to offer a light version free (to help ELLA.s business strategy) and to Beta test a full version with a major publisher through ELLA (UK). ALEXIS becomes a major project (fully networked XML editing software) and it is decided to create a new company in Barcelona, ELLA (ESPAGNE) to further develop and commercialise ALEXIS. ELLA (UK) will also be a development and marketing vehicle. December 2002 [TOC] ELLA (UK) prepares a project for the creation of e-learning materials around editing software |