Digital content
Digital Distinction
58% of survey respondents plan to publish more than half of their content in electronic form (not in PDF) by the end of this year, and 32% expect to publish 90% of their content this way.
Change Drivers
50% said they’re pursuing new content-delivery mechanisms because they feel they need to “change now” or be left behind, and 49% said they’re doing so because customers are demanding information in new ways.
Internal Affairs
Among those changing content-delivery mechanisms, 57% are developing and converting everything in-house, and 41% are opting for a combination of in-house teams and outsourced services.
Improvement Areas
69% said their content’s search capabilities need improvement, and 48% said their content doesn’t fully support customers’ needs going forward.
Consumer Choices
68% said their customers are asking for content that’s more searchable. A little more than half (53%) want learning videos; less than half (46%) seek content that’s available on mobile devices.
Readiness for Digital Demands
Just 44% said their content is ready to support digital business requirements over the next two years.
Stumbling Blocks
Among the 31% who said their content isn’t ready to support digital business requirements over the next two years, 74% cited insufficient staff time for converting in house as a major barrier. And 55% said they don’t have a sufficient budget to support a conversion.
Tools of Choice
84% said XML editor is one of their top content solutions, and 61% said MadCap Flare is. Another 50% heavily depend on Adobe FrameMaker.
Eclectic Offerings
84% said they’re developing user manuals via their content efforts, and 61% said they’re creating embedded user assistance (help system) content. Another 39% said they’re generating training materials, and 30% are making videos.
Pack Leaders
43% said their competitors are not ahead of them in terms of the type and quality of content they publish electronically, compared with just 23% who said their competition is ahead of them.