Word 2007 add-in for NLM DTD

Something to keep an eye on for STM publishers . . .

Microsoft released a add-in for Word 2007—called the Article Authoring add-in—that assists in creating XML in the NLM DTD.  You can also import a NLM DTD XML document and load it into Word. It seems to be targeted to the authoring point of view, that is, the add-in is designed for the authoring stage, as opposed to the production/editing stage, where  more common (and robust) Word-based tools, like Inera eXtyles, live.  I assume it could also fit into the editing stage, which seems a much more likely place for this thing to happen.

But before you jump in too quickly, realize that even Microsoft warns that the add-in is a beta and not production ready.  And Inera has some cautionary words about Word 2007.

Other links:

• Download the plug-in  
• A blog from Pablo Fernicola, the Microsoft product manager, overseeing the project.
• A video demo of the add-in (from the blog)
• I'll be bookmarking anything I see on my del.icio.us links