---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash TECHDOC '91 SunFLASH Vol 30 #25 June 1991 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a conference announcement. Forwarding this announcement has nothing to do with the fact that I am a panel member for one of the discussion pannels :-) ! Seriously, I think that many SunFlash subscribers will find this conference of great value. -johnj ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Evolution of Information Processing for Product Support August 19-23, 1991, The Westin Hotel Seattle, Washington Chair: Freelon F. Hunter Manager, Digital Data Systems Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Customer Service Division Keynote: Peter M. Morton Director, Customer Training and Flight Operations Support Customer Services Division Boeing Commerical Airplane Group TECHDOC '91 TechDoc '91, GCA's fifteenth annual summer event will take place in the geographical boundaries of some of America's most aggressive and technologically advanced companies. The Boeing Company, Microsoft, Owl International -- to name a few. A number of changes within the technical documentation industry are being driven by the Computer-aided Acquisition and Logistics Support (CALS) initiative of the U.S. Department of Defense. For example, the Air Transport Association and Telecommunications industry have now initiated specifications based on developments of CALS-related activity. And although CALS may be a driving force, not every organization within the technical documentation community is impacted by its requirements. For example, a number of manufacturing organizations, particularly the automobile industry, have developed fast-to-market concepts. New developments in CALS have taken advantage of these concepts. The pharmaceutical industry is now looking at some of the same standards and technologies to deliver new drug application information to the FDA. In addition to mandated initiatives impacting the directions of the future, the growing realization is that standards and new technology, if properly implemented can reduce the ever increasing costs associated with the processing and distribution of information for product support. The organizations with the futurevision to "start now" in building new, more dynamic information management systems will not only realize an earlier return on investment, but gain an edge in the competitive marketplace, not only in the U.S., but worldwide. TechDoc '91 will provide a look at a number of current documentation and new information processing applications. New developments in technology and standards will be examined. Similiarities that exist in requirements and technological support for both CALS and commercial/manufacturing initiatives will be discussed. The "best of all worlds" will be represented as we examine the evolution of information processing for product support. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Preliminary Schedule of Events Sunday, August 18, 1991 8:00 am Mt. Ranier tour (optional) 9:00 am Tour of Downtwon Seattle (optional) 1:00 pm Tour of Downtwon Seattle (optional) Monday, August 19, 1991 7:30 am Registration 9:00 am Up to Speed on TechDoc noon Lunch (on your own) 1:30 pm Up to Speed on CALS 4:30 pm Adjourn 6:00 pm - 10 pm Receprion/Dinner Chateau Ste. Michelle (optional) Tuesday, August 20, 1991 7:30 am Registration 9:00 am Session I: Corporate Strategies for Information Processing noon Luncheon noon-7pm Exhibits 1:30 pm Session II: Applications- Compliant Military Application 5:00 pm Session Adjourn 7:00 pm Exhibits Close 8:00 pm A Night at Pike Place Market (Tekkie Awards) Wednesday, August 21, 1991 8:30 am Session II: Applications Continues- Equipment Services Support Approach Commercial Airline Application Corporate Support Initiative noon Luncheon Exhibits 1:30 pm Session III: Evolving Standards for Information Processing ODA Application Panel Formatting Specifications Panel 5:30 pm Session Adjourn 7:00 pm Exhibits Close to Public Reception 8:00 pm Evening Sessions Thursday, August 23, 1991 9:00 am Session IV: Evolving Information Processes for Product Support 12:00 noon Luncheon Exhibits 1:30 pm Session IV Continues 7:00 pm Exhibits Close Friday, August 23, 1991 9:00 am Industry Review and Comment Session User Group Meetings Open GenCode Committee Meeting -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Who should attend? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- technical publishers, MIS managers, data providers, engineering and logistics support personnel, product planners and developers, corporate decision makers, consultants -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why you should attend? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At TechDoc '91 As a user - you will hear real-world practical applications of the standards and technologies from the user perspective - gain insight for working solutions to benefit your organization - you will have the opportunity to meet with industry peers and "compare notes" - the industry review sessions will allow you to hear the latest revisions to industry initiatives and make comments that may affect changes - you can meet with suppliers and see demonstrations of the latest technology that specifically markets to the technical documentation industry As a developer - you will hear user requirements and industry specifications that will impact future product development - you can discuss with potential customers the products you sell - you can provide input for solutions that meet the requirements of new industry initiatives - you will be able to demonstrate your products to the people who impact the decision making within their organizations -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TechDoc '91 Attendees will receive: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- o A free six month subsciption to the SGML Newsletter o New GCA Glossary of TechDoc Terminology o and more.... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UP TO SPEED ON TECHDOC -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Session Chair: Mel Lammers Manager, CALS Test Center Director, CALS Test Network Air Force Logistics Command speakers to be announced This one-half day up-to-speed on TechDoc session will examine the important features of technical documentation and your role in its production and management. There will be definitions, task flow descriptions, management concepts, and technical approaches discussed. Topics for discussion will include: o What is Technical Documentation o The major functions in producing technical documentation o Considerations in converting from manual documentation or simple word processing to "industrial strength" technical documentation o The role of hardware, software, standards and people o A day in the life of a technical documentation system -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UP TO SPEED ON CALS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Session Chair: Mel Lammers speakers to be announced The major features of the U.S. Department of Defense Computer-aided and Logistics Support (CALS) initiative will be discussed in this half-day session. The role of data standards, government expectations, testing of standards, and why CALS is important to you will be covered. Topic areas include: o CALS made easy o CALS standards and testing o DoD plans for today and tommorrow o CALS in the commercial sector o CALS and small business, is CALS for us? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SESSION I: CORPORATE STRATEGIES FOR INFORMATION PROCESSING -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Views from The Boeing Company Conference Keynote: Media Medley, Catch the Paradigm Shift Computers are becoming an integral part of our business. The Commercial Airplane Group's Customer Training Organization has been experimenting with some of the latest applications. Pete Morton is personally convinced that what is happening is nothing less than a paradigm shift in the way that computer applications are developed and distributed. Explore a medley of media as he presents a smorgasbord of the latest applications from the 7MAC7 program, now being used on the 777 for internal communications and orientation. New uses of basic presentation materials, video and animations -- everything but the top secret "scatch and sniff" technology will be discussed. Peter M. Morton Director, Customer Training and Flight Operations Support Customer Services Division Boeing Commerical Airplane Group Development and Management of an Electronic Library System for Commercial Airplanes What is an Electronic Library System? What will the ELS mean for commercial airlines? This presentation will address these questions, in addition to examining issues from data integration to systems integration. Frank T. Ruggiero PhD 777 Electronic Library System Data Support Manager Boeing Commercial Airplane Group Ground-based Digital Data Program This speech will define the digital data program, give the background needs for the program, discuss technical and industry-standards issues within the program, and present the benefits Boeing perceives for its customers once the program is implemented. Gary Martin Program Manager Boeing Commercial Airplane Group Boeing's Engineering Drawing Image Management Systems-REDARS The Reference Engineering Data Automated Retrieval System (REDARS) has scanned all Boeing Commercial Airplane engineering drawings into an optical disk based image management system. CALS compliant images of drawings can be retrieved over a fiber optic network at the workstations for viewing and printing. The presentation will describe the REDARS system and its benefits to Boeing. Norman L. Eddy Senior Manager, REDARS System Boeing Support Services The Boeing Company Photographic Image Retrieval: The Evolution of an Application The lessons learned in deploying an application to retreive over 40,000 images for a large manufacturing organization will be discussed and the steps taken to implement the application will be detailed. A videotape giving a management overview of the application will be shown, then expanded upon as described. G. Louis Roberts Senior Systems Analyst Boeing Support Services The Boeing Company -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SESSION II: APPLICATIONS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Four major organizations representing military, manufacturing, commercial airline and corporate support will provide comprehensive discussions of current leading edge applications. At least two of these presentations will be supported by application demonstrations on the exhibit floor. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pratt-Whitney Government Engines & Space Propulsion ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The newly developed Pratt & Whitney Automated Publishing System will be presented by representatives of Pratt & Whitney and their suppliers. The system is a new, industry-leading integration effort designed for all of Pratt & Whitney's publishing requirements. The presentation will give you an excellent feel for the potential that exists in an SGML-based distributed network solution. James A. Parker Director, Communications Production & Customer Publications Jason A. Chamberlain Production Manager Panelists: Network Configuration and Workstation Solution John McLaughlin Systems Engineer, Sun Microsystems, Inc. Publisher Software and SGML Compliance Jim Hanje Vice President, Sales, ArborText Inc. Systems Architecture, Commercial Applications John W. Oster, II, Oster & Associates, Inc. Hybrid Graphics Environment Brad Namie Senior Consulting Engineer, Auto-trol Technology Rewritable Optical Disk Chuck Holland Founder & Vice President, Engineering Epoch Storage Systems Postscript Hi-Speed Output Creighton Johns Systems Engineer, Eastman-Kodak Company The Database as Core Software Bob Pritchard Regional Technical Manager, Oracle Corporation ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Eastman Kodak Company Customer Equipment Services Division ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Adherence to standards allows for freedom of choice -- not freedom from choice. At Eastman Kodak Company many standards are used in the Customer Equipment Services Division in the creation of technical documentation. This presentation will focus on the variety of formats output from a single database for the support of customer equipment services. In addition, discussion will cover the standards and specifications that are currently employed. Warren H. Walker Electronic Publishing Staff Customer Equipment Services Division Thomas J. Hoehn Electronic Publishing Staff Communication Support Services Customer Equipment Services Division ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ America West Airlines ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ This presentation will cover the production and use of aircraft maintenance task cards at America West Airlines. Discussion will review the requirements and systems used to manage them. A review of how Interleaf's TPS and RDM are used for production, revision and the selection of cards for printing by effectivity will be presented. Pat McMenimen Systems Administrator ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Boeing Company Product Standards Data System (PSDS) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Boeing Company will soon be implementing a new and more efficient way of accessing Boeing standards data. PSDS is an integrated electronic delivery system that will allow creation, update, publishing and retrieval of Boeing standards. Users will be able to quickly and accurately retrieve and display standards at networked computer stations and systems. PSDS will reduce the time currently spent updating, creating and searching for standards information. Panelists: Carl Carver Corporate Standards Data Conversion Manager The Boeing Company Ken Pinyard Corporate Standards Systems & Customer Support Manager The Boeing Company Richard Pounds President Data Development Inc others panelists may be announced -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SESSION III: EVOLVING STANDARDS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introductory Presentation: Implementation Strategy for Publishing Standards and Technology Commercial and Defense publishing systems use the same technology and have selected common standards for digital data exchange. Computing suppliers are designing systems to operate in compliance with these standards, yet find differences in the application profiles. Data providers and user are beginning to gain experience in loading systems that allow re-use of information without rekeying. What is the significance of application differences and should anything be done? The question will be examined in terms of current and future changes affecting the data, the infrastructure and the tools. John O. Anderson Manager, Industry Affairs The Boeing Company Boeing Commercial Airplane Group SGML, though originally destined by CALS as a standard for document interchange, has evolved into an accepted standard for structuring information databases. It is now the basis for new standards in the interchange and linking of hypertext files. Discussion of SGML will be heard throughout the conference, particularly in the application sessions. Presentations of standards and specifications based on SGML, such as hytime and 28001A, will also be discussed throughout the conference sessions. Office Document Architecture (ODA) Panel ODA, Office Document Architecture (ISO 8613) governs the formatting, imaging, and interchange of compound documents. The standard provides the means to interchange documents that contain different types of content -- text, graphics and images. ODA is also defined for extensions including color, typographic features and a variety of content types, such as audio. A panel of ODA users will provide a comprehensive discussion of a variety of current applications. Developers have been invited to demonstrate products that support ODA. Chair: Frank Dawson External Standards Advisor, IBM Corporation Panelists: ODA in the European Telecommunications Market Phillipe Maurice, SEPT ODA and Europe '92 Ian Campbell-Grant, ICL The ODA Consortium Dave Shorter, IBM Corporation ODA in Japan Today Makota Oya, Hitachi, Ltd. Formatting Specifications The discussion of formatting specifications is causing quite a stir within the industry today. Is the output specification developed for CALS adequate? What can we expect when DSSSL is complete and approved as an International Standard? What about PIL and editable Postscript? Do we really need an industry formatting standard? -- why not accept a vendor's proprietary system? TechDoc '91 will attempt to answer these questions. Chair: Sam Wilmot Senior Software Developer, Exoterica Panelists: Document Style and Semantics Specification Language (DSSSL) Sharon Adler, IBM Corporation CALS Output Specification (OS) Paula Angerstein, Interleaf, Inc. Postscript Interchange Language (PIL) Tom Arnold, Quark, Inc. Editable Postscript Adobe Systems -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SESSION IV: EVOLVING PROCESSES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A number of issues stand as hurdles in the pursuit of Interactive Electronic Documentation Systems (GCA term) or Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (CALS). Authoring in an interactive system is a broad effort, since the scope of information elements involves not only text and graphics, but may include hyperlinked motion video, animation, audio and process controls, as well. Data management poses yet other issues. In an interactive system notions support object-oriented techniques and raise concerns regarding audio and video digitization and related compression and decompression techniques. The delivery phase of an interactive system is the result of computer-based interrelated audio/visual information elements and process controls. A major factor in delivery is time-based sequence control. This important full-day session will feature demo-discussions from leading technology developers and industry users. Presentations will provide insight into developments to date that support interactive processes for elctronic technical manuals or document support -- the technology, the standards, the requirements, the applications. Chair: Mary Laplante President, Cygnet Publishing Technologies Presentors: Dr. Charles Goldfarb Senior Analyst, IBM Corporation Chris Doerr Group Program Manager/Multimedia, Microsoft Corporation Rob Riner Marketing Director, Texas Instruments Darlene Mann Director of Product Marketing, Verity, Inc. Jim Culbertson Vice President, Owl International, Inc. David Wilcox President, Dataware Technologies Patrick Tinney Director, Product Marketing, Meridian Data Electronic Review Process The objective of the GCA and CALS supported Electronic Review Process is to add to MIL-M-28001A all required support for the review of SGML text documents electronically using SGML for the comments. Inclusion in MIL-M-28001B will include all support for the review of Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) illustrations electronically using SGML for comments. Required support for linking between text and graphics in the case of related changes are also to be included. A demonstration of a working model of the Electronic Review Process is expected. Melinda Stetina Senior Production Information Analyst, Unisys Corporation IETM Panel A panel discussion within this session will include presentations on the Tri-Service Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) specifications and handbooks. As well, discussions will review the technical issues concerning user interface, interaction, and presentation requirements. The broader issues of policy and how IETMs relate to technical information databases and paper will be covered. Chair: Frank Gilbane President, Publishing Technology Management Panelists: David R. Gunning Research Pyschologist AL/HRGO, Wright Patterson Air Force Base Eric Jorgenson Technology Manager, David Taylor Naval Research Center Philip W. Clark Research Fellow, Logistics Management Institute -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EVENING SESSIONS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Evening sessions will provide discussion and review of current topical issues that are relevant at the time. Sessions confirmed to date will include discussion of CD-RDx, review of the SFQL, and the latest updates on ISO and ANSI multimedia standards efforts. Others will be announced. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INDUSTRY REVIEW AND COMMENT SESSIONS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, August 23 Industy review sessions and roundtables offer the opportunity to sound off your ideas and comments on current developments. At the present time the schedule includes:(other initiatives may be discussed dependant upon relevancy and timing) - ATA-100 revision 30 - Hytime - TCIF - DSSSL -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USER GROUP MEETINGS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Suppliers are encouraged to sponsor user group meetings in conjunction with TechDoc '91. Sessions may be scheduled either Monday, August 19 or Friday, August 23. Please contact GCA if interested. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exhibits and Application Demonstrations -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TechDoc '91 offers you the opportunity to view a number of products that support specifically the requirements of the technical documentation community. Many suppliers will be participating in application demonstrations during designated times. Others will be releasing new products that support the evolution of information processing for product support. The exhibit/demonstration hall is open to the public from 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm, August 20-22. Pre-register for free admission. $15 at door. Exhibitors (through May 15): AGFA/Compugraphic ArborText, Inc. Auto-trol Technology Avalanche Development Company CALS Technical Center/CALS Test Network Data Development Dataware Technologies Eastman-Kodak Company Electronic Book Technologies Epoch Systems InfoDesign Interleaf, Inc. Oracle Corporation Oster & Associates, Inc. Owl International SoftQuad, Inc. Sun Microsystems, Inc. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit the GCA Information Technology Bookstore -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "the most complete source for publications on SGML and related topics..." GCA offers you one source for SGML publications and related standards and specifications. At TechDoc '91, these publications will be available in the GCA Bookstore. There will be special discounts available for TechDoc '91 on-site purchase of selected publications. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REGISTRATION INFORMATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information about the TechDoc'91 program, please call Joy Blake at (703) 519-8177. To register by phone, call (703) 519-8162. In Japan and Pacific Rim, contact A. Mizobuchi, Nissho Iwai Corporation, +81 3 3588 4598. Discounts available for multiple registrants from same address: 5-9 registrants 10% 10 or more 15% (not applicable for Up to Speed Sessions.) [] TechDoc'91 Conference: GCA Member $575 Nonmember $795 [] Up to Speed on TechDoc: GCA Member $75 Nonmember $125 [] Up to Speed on CALS: GCA Member $75 Nonmember $125 [] Exhibit Pass Conference attendee inc. Nonconference attendee $15 [] A Night at Pike Place Market Guest Fee $50 No fees required for Industry Review and Comment Sessions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hotel Information -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A block of rooms has been reserved at the Westin Hotel, 1900 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, Washington. The GCA special conference rates are: Standard Room* Single $90 Double $110 Medium Deluxe** Single $122 Double $142 *a limited number of rooms are available at this rate. ** includes rooms with view, available upon request first come-first serve. A limited number of suites are available. Call GCA for special conference rates. The current tax rate is 14.1%. Reservations may be made by calling the hotel directly at (206)728-1000 and identifying yourself as a GCA TechDoc registrant. The cut-off date for reservations is July 25, 1991. August is prime vacation period in Seattle. Reservations must be made early to asure group rate. Check-in time is 3:00 pm. Check-out 1:00 pm. The Westin Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Seattle's business district, 15 miles, 30 minutes from the Seattle-Takoma International Airport. Airport bus transportation is available every 30 minutes with direct service to hotel. The King Street Amtrak Station is 10 blocks, 5 minutes from the Westin. The hotel offers three restuarants. A year-round swimming pool, physical fitiness center, jacuzzi and suanas are available for use by hotel guests. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Airlines Information -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GCA has negotiated a special discount with American Airlines. Call American's toll-free number (800) 433-1790 (in Texas (800) 792-1160) and give the operator the GCA STAR number #02Z178. Also inquire about reduced rates on rental cars. You may also call Columbia Travel, GCA's official agent, to make your travel arrangements at (800) 822-3399 (in Virginia (703) 243-2900). Both will book you on the most direct route with this special fare or the lowest fare possible. You may purchase tickets directly or through your local travel agent. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seattle Attractions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Pier 49 through Pier 60, Seattle's waterfront hasn't changed much since 1897 when the steamer Portland docked at the foot of Union Street bearing gold from the Yukon Territory. New Restuarants, fish and chip shops and import shops now exist in this "Gold Rush Strip". The Seattle Aquarium at Pier 59 features Puget Sound sea life and a working salmon ladder. The Pioneer Square Historic District is the site of 26 galleries, one-of-a-kind shops, books stores, and European restaurants. Other sites to see include the Pacific Science Center, the Space Needle, Washington Park Arboretum and the Museum of Flight. Frequent ferries sail to neighboring islands and into Victoria and Vancouver B.C. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Attendee/Guest Activities -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For those of you who plan to take advantage of Saturday airfare discounts, we have activities planned for you to enjoy the beauty of some of America's most breath taking country. Sunday August 18, 1991 Enjoy the sights of downtown Seattle. Your guide will lead you through historic Pioneer Square, Seattle's international district, and across one of Seattle's floating bridges. From there you will be taken onto the campus of the University of Washington and then to see the famous Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. A drive along the Magnolia Bluff offers spectacular viewing of the Puget Sound and the city skyline. The final tour stop is the Pike Place Market, an exciting array of color and aroma can be enjoyed at this, one of Seattles famous attractions. You will be provided with an easy-to-read map for those who wish to linger and return to the hotel on their own. The cost of the excursion is $21.00 and includes motorcoach transportation, tour guide, and map of Pike Place Market. If you would rather spend the day outside of the city, a tour of beautiful Mount Rainier has been arranged. At a height of 14,411 feet, this National Park offers hiking trails, fields of wildflowers, an informative Visitors Center and a beautiful inn, Paradise Lodge. Your tour guide will make sure that you make the most of your time in this lovely area. Jackets and sturdy walking shoes are advised. The cost of this excursion is $40.00 and includes motorcoach transportation (approximately a 2 hour drive), tour guide, and Mount Rainier National Park Admission. The tour bus leaves at 8:00 am and returns at 6:00 pm. Monday, August 19, 1991 Situated on the same latitude as the French wine country, Washington State has a growing wine industry that is winning prestigious awards throughout the world. After an enjoyable ride through beautiful Northwest countryside, you will arrive at Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington's oldest and most famous winery for a buffet dinner and wine tasting in their lovely Barrel room. The tour bus will leave at 6:00 pm and return at 10:00 pm This evening includes motorcoach transportation, Seattle V.I.P. Services Escort, Light Buffet Dinner, and Sampling of Several Wines. The cost to you is only $20 per person. Program additions/modifications may occur. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For information send mail to info-sunflash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. Subscription requests should be sent to sunflash-request@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. Archives are on solar.nova.edu and paris.cs.miami.edu. All prices, availability, and other statements relating to Sun or third party products are valid in the U.S. only. Please contact your local Sales Representative for details of pricing and product availability in your region. Descriptions of, or references to products or publications within SunFlash does not imply an endorsement of that product or publication by Sun Microsystems. John McLaughlin, SunFlash editor, flash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. (305) 776-7770.