Get XML from InDesign & InCopy today

There has been a lot of activity in the XML-export-from-Adobe-area here at Really Strategies over the last year.  Over this time, we have developed a system with continually deepening capabilities for extracting XML from Adobe InDesign and InCopy.  The projects have been across several publishing verticals and have produced content to meet several XML standards, for text newsletters, and for the web.  The projects that I have worked on all manage content in the K4 Publishing System, and have used the K4 XML-Exporter aided by Adobe API scripting.

Here are a few thoughts that come out of this effort:

1. There is no significant technical barrier to getting XML from Adobe InDesign & InCopy today.  However, it does require clients to put away the notion of the magic export button. 
2. The major limiting factor is the practical limits of standardization required of print production staffs (in conjunction with support by web or text processing production staffs).  However, this limit is continually being reduced through our ongoing innovation efforts.
3. These projects inherently require process change.  Where text is already being manually processed after files go to printer, this is not very hard to achieve.  It may be more difficult for clients to envision and implement changes where no post processing currently exists. 
4. Because Adobe doesn't inherently require file usage standardization in InDesign and InCopy, standardization must be built into the use of the tools themselves - meaning print staff are required to modify their use of the tools - though minimally in most cases.   
5. Projects may also require some semi-automated application of metadata and linking information prior to triggering an export.
6. The K4 XML-Exporter (an add-on to the K4 Publishing System) is a great tool for this process, primarily because it adds some workflow automation as well as automated access to a good XSL processor.
7. JavaScript is now a standard element in these projects, as it can powerfully minimize any necessary changes for the print staff.
8. Integration with Web CMSes, by the way, is an achievable reality. 

We're excited as we continually press forward - its a great time when there is innovation every day.