As part of its DocuTech architecture (CI No 1,524), Xerox Corp introduced DocuBuild publishing software designed to enable project teams to collaborate on creation of production-quality documents across computer networks. Xerox DocuBuild is primarily aimed at those creating medium and large multi-author documents such as product manuals, technical proposals, scientific reports and regulatory filings. Industry firsts claimed by Xerox for it include patent-protected high-speed pagination technology and the only compound document WYSIWYG support of the Standard Generalised Markup Language, the Open Systems Interconnection standard for formatting documents. DocuBuild also supports numerous text, graphics and data formats, so that users can integrate and use existing software and hardware. DocuBuild is designed to enable multiple authors in different locations to access and modify documents across networks; manage work flow; and simultaneously view the status of all aspects of the publishing project. DocuBuild operates within the Xerox GlobalView networked desktop environment, runs on iAPX-86-based personal computers equipped with the GlobalView-for-the-PC co-processor board and software that turns them into multitasking, networked workstations. It also runs on Xerox 6085 workstations. A text editing version, PC DocuBuild, is also available for standard MS-DOS machines. DocuBuild will begin shipping in the US in the second quarter of 1991 and pricing starts at $2,500 per workstation and $500 per personal computer.
