Travel guides to go digital
Illustrated travel guides publisher Dorling Kindersley is to make its data available via multiple platforms such as podcasts.
The move is part of a wider multi-platform strategy which will see DK’s entire catalogue converted into digital format.
The plan means companies can offer, under license, travel content to their customers and clients via books, desktop computers and mobile devices.
Among the content on offer are hundreds of travel guides covering all major destinations, maps and phrasebooks, and language courses, from the Eyewitness Travel Guides and Rough Guides line-up.
Digital maps, podcasts and podscrolls are also on offer, so travellers can download the content to their mobile device.
The company has already created a programme of Rough Guides content, based on knowledge of location, that will be pre-loaded onto more than six million Motorola Razr phones in five languages.
Jon White, recently appointed to the new position of worldwide digital licensing manager, said: “We are developing multi-platform solutions, allowing people to view our content in a variety of ways. Flexibility and service are the bywords of this approach.
“The plan is a huge opportunity for companies looking to enhance their offering. Many digital platforms offer content that has no reliable branding, is inaccurate and frankly isn’t trusted.”
The e-book format will work on PDA, laptop or desktop computer and are PC and Mac-compatible. DK is also developing its own software systems for content transfer across internet and mobile technologies.
”Simply doing what a publisher has always done is not good enough,” White said. “We have geared up to offer our depth, breadth, scope and quality of our content for a variety of different uses.”
The company claims to be well on track to converting its catalogue into digital formats, using XML technology and digital rights management. DK’s backlist, which spans two decades, is also to be converted.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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