Create polished, personalized technical content with the power of IXIA CCMS.
MadCap IXIA CCMS FAQ
What is a CCMS anyway? Everything you need to know about MadCap IXIA CCMS.
Overview of MadCap IXIA CCMS
What is a CCMS?
CCMS stands for component content management solution. MadCap IXIA CCMS is designed to simplify and streamline an organization’s technical documentation process by organizing content (words, phrases, photos, and procedures) at a granular level. These bits of content, also known as “components,” are stored in a central repository. The components can then be re-purposed for publishing on a variety of channels in all languages.
Why choose MadCap IXIA CCMS?
Our product is provided and crafted by experts in the industry. Customers can expect an enterprise-class and feature-rich solution coupled with in-depth customer support. Our pride is in our product, but also in the relationships we have with clients, some of which have lasted for more than 10 years. Want to know what customers are saying about MadCap IXIA CCMS? Check out our testimonials page.
Which industries currently use CCMSs?
MadCap IXIA CCMS can be applied to a variety of industries, but is especially useful to organizations reusing large amounts of content, publishing through a variety of mediums, and publishing in multiple languages. Currently, our product is used in software and telecommunication industries, and by semiconductor, medical device, and heavy machinery manufacturers.
How does IXIA CCMS improve content consistency?
IXIA CCMS ensures that all content components are standardized and managed in one central repository. This centralization allows for consistent use of terminology, style, and branding across all documents and publications.
- Centralized Repository: Ensures everyone uses the same up-to-date content, eliminating discrepancies.
- Reusable Components: Updates to components are automatically reflected across all documents.
- Standardization: Enforces templates, styles, and terminology, maintaining a consistent tone and appearance.
- Revision History: Tracks changes and maintains a history of content revisions.
- Workflow Automation: Ensures consistent content creation, review, and approval processes.
- Role-Based Access: Controls unauthorized modifications.
- Integrated Translation Management: Streamlines translation processes, ensuring consistency across languages and smooth delivery.
What are the benefits of component-based content management?
Component-based content management allows for greater flexibility, reuse, and efficiency. By breaking down content into reusable components, organizations can quickly assemble and update documents, ensuring that changes are reflected across all publications without redundancy or inconsistencies.
Implementation and Training
How long does it take to set up the CCMS?
The time it takes for full integration of the CCMS depends entirely on the size and type of organization. From planning to closure, the CCMS takes an average of about six months to implement.
What type of training is offered for the CCMS?
MadCap Software ensures each organization undergoes extensive training before and throughout the implementation of the CCMS. Whether clients choose the dedicated SaaS, or on-premise deployment option, our team provides in-depth training to ensure there are no setbacks in your day-to-day.
What kind of support is available after implementation?
Post-implementation, MadCap Software offers continuous support through various channels, including a dedicated helpdesk, online resources, and regular software updates. Our team is always ready to assist with any challenges that may arise.
Can we customize the training program to fit our specific needs?
Yes, MadCap Software offers customizable training programs tailored to meet the specific requirements of your organization. Whether it's focused on certain features or designed for different user roles, we can adjust the training to ensure it aligns with your goals.
Product Details and Comparison
What are the main differences between MadCap IXIA CCMS Web and CCMS Desktop?
The main differences between MadCap IXIA CCMS Web and CCMS Desktop:
Web
- No need for a local installation; can be deployed to new users with minimal effort
- Built for the Web with a custom-designed user interface
- Responsive web design accessible by multiple devices such as PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones
- Integrated with Oxygen Web Author
- DRM actions such as creating a new instance and pushing to another branch are intuitive and guided
- Content Level Security is available to ensure that only appropriate users have access to specific content
- Templates can be associated with specific roles to ensure users follow the correct guidelines when creating content
- Several Localization models are available, each with limitations
Desktop
- Must be installed either locally on each user’s desktop or accessed via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
- Built on the Eclipse platform and uses the Eclipse interface
- Integrated with Oxygen Eclipse plugin
- Only runs on PCs and Macs
- DRM actions require deeper knowledge of DRM functionality and structure
- Content Level Security is not available
- All templates are available to all users
- One Unified Localization Model, offering the full range of localization features
- Worklists enable quick, lightweight association of users and objects to work on
Who uses the IXIA CCMS?
Industry leading organizations from around the world rely on the IXIA CCMS to product their technical documentation. These include:
- Software & IT: DocuSign, Hyland, Ericsson, SAP, ADP,
- Semiconductors: Analog Devices, AMD, ARM, Infineon, KLA, Xilinx
- Medical device: Abbott, Agfa, Elekta, Roche, Varian
- Manufacturing: Boeing, Komatsu, Metso, Paccar, Wartsila
How does the IXIA CCMS integrate with other tools and platforms?
IXIA CCMS offers robust integration capabilities with various third-party tools and platforms. This includes content creation tools, translation management systems, and popular software development environments, ensuring seamless workflows and improved productivity.
Can the IXIA CCMS be accessed remotely?
Yes, IXIA CCMS supports remote access, allowing team members to work from different locations seamlessly. This is particularly beneficial for distributed teams and organizations with multiple offices.
Unified Localization Model
What about the legacy CCMS Desktop Model?
Legacy localization features remain accessible in CCMS Desktop version7.0.
You can continue using the CCMS Desktop to manage translations if you are not ready for this new version.
Do I need to migrate my current projects to the new model?
No, the Unified Localization Model automatically leverages existing translations.
How can I start using the Unified Localization Model?
We will provide resources to help you configure your system. New documentation and training will also be available.
Everything you appreciated in the previous versions has been retained and enhanced. And those aspects you wished to improve? We've listened and refined them.
Can I use both models at the same time?
Once you start using the ULM, you can no longer start new projects in CCMS Desktop.
You can complete translations that started in CCMS Desktop even after starting to use the new ULM.
Translation content created in Eclipse is visible in CCMS Web, but translations started in CCMS Web are not visible in CCMS Desktop.
WORKFLOW AND COLLABORATION
How does the CCMS enhance collaboration among team members?
MadCap IXIA CCMS provides a centralized platform where team members can easily collaborate on content creation, editing, and review processes. Features such as version control, commenting, and real-time updates ensure that everyone is on the same page, reducing errors and improving efficiency.
Can external collaborators access the CCMS?
Yes, external collaborators can be granted access to specific parts of the CCMS as needed. This ensures that stakeholders outside your organization can contribute to and review content without compromising the security of your entire content repository.
What are the best practices for managing workflow in a CCMS?
Best practices include defining clear roles and responsibilities, setting up structured workflows for content creation and approval, and regularly reviewing and optimizing these workflows. Utilizing the CCMS's capabilities for automation and task assignment can also greatly enhance efficiency and consistency.
INTEGRATIONS WITH OTHER MADCAP PRODUCTS
Can IXIA CCMS work with MadCap Central?
Yes, MadCap IXIA CCMS is integrated with MadCap Central to provide enhanced hosting, branding, publishing, and real-time content analytics. This integration allows teams to streamline publishing workflows with direct publishing to EU- or US-based servers, minimize IT dependency and cut overhead costs.
How does IXIA CCMS support content translation with MadCap Lingo?
IXIA CCMS Can create translation packages compatible with MadCap Lingo to streamline the content translation process. This integration facilitates efficient localization workflows, ensuring that translated content is consistently managed and easily accessible within the CCMS.
Is there support for version control with MadCap IXIA CCMS?
Yes, IXIA CCMS includes robust version control features, allowing users to track changes, manage document versions, and maintain a comprehensive history of content revisions. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of your documentation over time.
DYNAMIC RELEASE MANAGEMENT (DRM)
What is Dynamic Release Management (DRM)?
Dynamic Release Management (DRM) module provides flexible and powerful release management features to support organizations that manage multiple products across numerous release cycles. Unlike simple branch management, DRM provides more granular control over content versions, making it easier to track, manage, and deploy updates across various release cycles. DRM allows you to easily plan, deliver, and maintain your documentation releases.
What are the benefits of DRM over simple branch management?
- Granular Control: DRM allows for detailed management of individual content components, enabling precise updates and revisions without affecting other parts of the content.
- Simultaneous and Continuous Releases: Manage and publish multiple versions of content at the same time, ensuring that different product versions or regional editions are consistently updated.
- Product variants: Branch a core version containing the base information for a specific product to support different models or customer-specific variants.
- Efficiency: Streamline the release process with automated workflows and version tracking, reducing the time and effort required to manage complex documentation projects.
- Consistency and Compliance: Ensure that all versions of content are aligned with the latest updates, reducing the risk of discrepancies and errors.