Martin,
Take a good look at Corel Wordperfect 2000. Its support for XML/SGML have
improved out of site from previous versions.  Out of the box, it supports
TEI and DOCBOC. I haven't tried the EAD DTD and will post a report to the
list when I do. I've used XMetal and theres not a lot to distinguish between
the two products only that with Corel Wordperfect 2000 you get a
conventional (and very capable) WP thrown in and all the benefits of pretty
print styles etc - and its relatively cheap. If you can wean your EAD
authors off MS Word to Wordperfect its only a short step away from them
eventually using it for the entire EAD production cycle.
Regards
Chris Blackall

From: <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2000 10:59 AM
Subject: XMetal option


> I am new to the list, and to EAD, so please forgive the elementary nature
> of the following question. We (the Australian War Memorial Research
Centre)
> are currently using XMetal, on trial from Turn-Key Systems in Sydney  to
> author Research Centre finding aids and (potentially) other documents such
> as info. sheets. Turn-Key are offering:
>
> Costings
> 1 - 9 users  @ $760 each (Aus)
> Special deal: 1 user & 10 hrs support $2000 (10 hrs support is usually
> $1350 - savings of $110)
>
> At this stage we have no comparable product costs and services, and only a
> few similar Australian applications that I am aware of. At this stage I am
> interested in opinions on XMetal for finding aids/guides, and whether
there
> are more appropriate/flexible options. We have printed and Word document
> finding aids for a variety of materials - private record/biographical
> descriptions, map collections, 'special' collections of souvenirs,
leaflets
> etc. Any assistance or advice greatly appreciated.
>
> Martin
>