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Fresh Meadows, NY:  Data Conversion Laboratory (DCL), a leader in converting content to new formats, has been selected by Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) to migrate its technical content into DITA XML. Varian is the leading global manufacturer of medical devices for treating cancer. The company also provides informatics software for managing cancer clinics, radiotherapy centers and oncology practices.

Varian has built a library of operator manuals, reference guides and other documentation in twelve languages to meet the needs of its worldwide customer base. Digitizing this content will allow the company to more easily maintain, update, and publish through multiple channels and in multiple languages. Varian chose DCL because of its expertise with large-scale conversion projects, where accuracy, cost-efficiency, and "speed to market" are all critical. The company recently put a DITA-based content management system in place to author and publish content on the Web and in print.

"Every day, medical personnel depend on our products to extend cancer patients' lives. They need manuals and reference guides that are correct, up-to-date and easily accessible. DCL is known as the premier partner for complex projects where accuracy is not an option, but a vital necessity," said Achim Heilmann, Senior Manager, Global Publication Support Service, Varian.

In an earlier pilot project, Varian also worked with DCL to identify and eliminate redundant content and streamline the conversion process using its Harmonizer™ software solution. DCL tests have shown that most document collections have more than 50 percent redundancy, meaning that companies are often maintaining twice as much content as they need to, at twice the expense.

"Varian understands that having a well-planned content migration strategy saves time, reduces costs, improves customer service, and even increases shareholder value. We are pleased to partner with them on this critical migration project," said Mark Gross, Chief Executive Officer of DCL.