Introduction

Overview

This is the IGP:Digital Publisher Formats User Manual.

This manual contains user instructions and guidelines for configuring, using and optimizing the various format generation options available.

IGP:Digital Publisher exists to generate formats.

That means: Print, eBooks, Sites, Apps and various packages. The fact that it generates multiple formats from one stable, trustworthy XHTML source is what makes IGP:Digital Publisher so powerful, and unique.

The format processing tools have been carefully designed to ensure new formats can be added as demand arises in the future; and that customization requirements for specific publisher custom requirements is easy and flexible.

In addition to the recent emergence of fixed layout, interactive and rich media enhanced formats, means the special requirements for each of these has to be addressed and made to be as easy as they can be.

All of this dynamic format customization and extension must happen but never undermine the primary value of IGP:Digital Publisher which is defined by the consistency and future-value of the underlying IGP:FoundationXHTML (FX).

Some formats are relatively simple, and the FX only has to be processed, usually "dumbed-down" for a format to be generated. PDF and standard e-books are examples.

Other formats such as fixed-layout e-books, static sites and web-apps require processing instructions and additional metadata to make complete delivery patterns. This manual gives instructions on using those extra components.

Still more advanced formats such as highly interactive content must also deliver the future-proof value of IGP:FoundationXHTML. Other systems put processing first. IGP:Digital Publisher is all about the XHTML. Everything else is dependent on that consistent hard-working foundation.

Formats on Demand

The IGP:Formats on Demand (FOD) interface is designed to be easy to use by anyone. Click on the format or package you want. Wait a few seconds, and there it is.

The FOD interface is a template component. That means it can be easily customized for a specific publisher, project or any other purpose.

Digital Processing Instructions

IGP:Digital Publisher uses IGP:FoundationXHTML (FX) to express an infinite range and complexity of digital content.

Regretfully few Reading Devices and delivery systems can match the capabilities of FX other than the latest standards compliant browsers. This means the XHTML has to be dumbed down and processed to meet the limited capabilities of most Reading Devices and proprietary formats.

This is done with Digital Processing Instructions and specialist XHTML CSS properties. Much of this manual is about setting up options and components for the various delivery channels and devices. 

IGP:Long Running Process Engine

Deep behind the scenes the tricky format packaging and processing is carried out by the IGP:Long Running Process Engine (LRPE).

 To maintain flexibility and rapid change-management to keep pace with market realities, the format processing is largely carried out by LRPE. Formats covers a very wide range of processing requirements. Many of them are proprietary, subject to change, and have different capabilities.

This unique application is a highly programmable orchestrated workflow machine with formal processes made up from a huge library of unique activities.

LRPE has capabilities beyond most people's imagination. Image processing (including CMYK), video and audio format conversion, font conversion and obfuscation, CSS and Javascript minification, XML, text and metadata conditional processing and many other things.

As an end user you don't see much of this other than the engine reports on the LRPE interface. LRPE receives an FX file, and carries out all processing and transformations required for a selected format. It returns the finished package to the user, or transfers it to a defined location. When you generate an eBook format you can watch LRPE stepping through a number of process activities.