S1000D – CSDB
S1000D uses a database called a Common Source Database (CSDB) to store the data modules. It is called a CSDB because in it are stored not only the data modules but all associated non-SGML/XML objects (such as graphic files, etc.).
CSDB Management
S1000D uses the information within the management section of each data module to manage the authoring and maintenance of data modules together with the Illustration Control Number (ICN) for other objects. This facilitates the speedy access and retrieval of data.
Delivery from the CSDB
When working in the CSDB, data modules are never deleted. All "drafts" of data modules are kept and tracked. When it comes to delivery time, the subset of the required data modules and associated object are extracted for delivery to the customer.
Integration with ILS data
S1000D has the capability to have much of the source data derived from the Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) Logistic Support Analysis Record (LSAR). This assists greatly in ensuring that the technical information accurately reflects the design and support philosophies.
O'Neil CSDB Products and Services
O'Neil has developed, as part of the Ensemble collection of tools, an open architecture, neutral Content Management System (CMS) that has been developed for performance as an S1000D-compliant CSDB. This tool has the capability of being separated into:
- The core database, in which the actual data is stored and
- The database management application.
We are able to provide this CSDB resource in any combination of the following:
- CSDB and management application hosted at O'Neil (in Dayton, Ohio) which reduces customer costs in terms of IT support and training. This can be configured in such a way that the customer only has access to the content of the database. The access could, for example, be secure Web-based access.
- CSDB and management application hosted at the customer premises.
- CSDB hosted at the customer premises with the application hosted at O'Neil premises.
- Our CMS is also configured to operate as a MIL-STD 1388 2b-based LSAR. This facilitates the linkage between the ILS data and the technical information, as described above. This database can also be implemented in the same manner as the CSDB.
Also, as part of our Ensemble suite, we can provide a Web-based authoring tool for those organizations that choose to remotely host the CSDB. Authors are able to directly produce data modules under the management of the CSDB together with the built-in work flow.
The authoring tool itself presents the author with an S1000D-compliant "WYSIWYG" interface, such that authors do not need to know the document type definitions or schemas. The authoring tool can also be hosted at the customer premises, if required.