Structured content

Structured content is information or content that is organized in a predictable way and is usually classified with metadata. XML is a common storage format, but structured content can also be stored in other standard or proprietary formats.

When working in structured content, writers need to build the structure of their content as well as add the text, images, etc. They build the structure by adding elements, and there are elements for different types of content. The structure must be valid according to the standard being used, and it is often enforced by the authoring tool. This helps to ensure consistency, as writers must use the appropriate elements in a consistent way.

Many industries have developed a keen interest in structured authoring – ability to generate new documentation in an increasingly automated way from ‘fragments’ of already-approved master content. Their compliance, safety and risk containment, speed to market and overall market performance depend on product data being correct, complete and readily re-usable for numerous different purposes.

For example, life sciences organizations serve document generation across the entire development, approval, distribution, consumption and updated-release lifecycle, globally.

In marketing and content editing, structured data or content is used to establish websites' information architecture, design web pages content or enhance website page rankings in Search Engine result pages (SERPs).

See also

• Structure mining