Content Collaboration Software: Working with Subject Matter Experts around the World

When working with subject matter experts (SMEs) who are scattered globally, it can be difficult and costly to collaborate on new content submissions or on revisions to previously submitted content. These SMEs could be located in very different time zones, making it challenging to schedule phone meetings or web conferences to discuss content issues.

Regardless, it may be very important to collaborate on content with these SMEs. They may be doctors, mathematicians, professors, or scientists with valuable knowledge in their fields that lend an expert eye to your publications to make them more accurate and up-to-date. While they are savvy in their industry, chances are they know nothing about structured authoring. When it comes to content, they know how to type in a word processor. So, asking SMEs to work in an XML file is like asking the sky to rain money - it just isn't going to happen.

Content collaboration won't happen in a word processing file. Sure, you can track editorial changes and send it on to the next SME, but only the last person in the serial flow will have the benefit of seeing everyone's comments in the file. A collective collaboration approach is needed to give all SMEs a chance to review content in a dynamic, virtual environment.

The Solution: Content Collaboration Software

Content collaboration software like the Vasont CCMS's Collaborative Review solution allows SMEs to review content virtually. The content collaboration software is integrated with the Vasont Content Management System for conversion to XML and multichannel publishing.

Subject Matter Experts Collaborate Collectively

Rather than passing a file from person to person to add their comments, or every SME making comments on a separate copy of a document, the Vasont CCMS's content collaboration software solution allows contributors to share comments and feedback dynamically on one source of content.

Secure Content Available 24/7

Content is delivered to and from the SMEs through a secure login to protect the integrity of the content. SMEs can access their projects anytime.

Editorial Cycles Shorten Using Automated Virtual Collaboration Software

Editors find it easier to manage content review cycles with SMEs using content collaboration software. The virtual environment automates notifications to the SMEs and editors to keep the workflow moving efficiently. Additionally, the editing interface is easy to use for nontechnical SMEs. Little do they know that they are really working in an XML environment. The XML content and any revisions made to it by the SMEs are automatically loaded back into the component content management system, saving hours of work for the editor by eliminating the need to retype content into the database.