[Sigia-l] Open-source IA tool in the making

[Jonathan Baker-bates]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: sigia-l-bounces at asis.org 
> [mailto:sigia-l-bounces at asis.org] On Behalf Of Giovanni Fortezza
> Sent: 13 March 2006 15:32
> To: sigia-l at asis.org
> Subject: RE: [Sigia-l] Open-source IA tool in the making
> 
> With its latest release, Axure RP has delivered on almost all 
> the pieces that I have struggled with using multiple programs 
> so far. It delivers prototypes and functional specs that you 
> can customize and put in your template. I am getting 
> proficient at it, but it offers a lot of flexibility.

I have corresponded with the makers of Axure on several occasions to
persuade them of the value of exposing the artefacts that Axure creates
as XML. Right now, it exports stuff as Word and CSV. If they looked at
Omingraffle and took some ideas from that, then I think they'd be a
serious contender for the title of "IA IDE."

However, they seem keener on developing it as yet another prototyping
tool, which is a pity because it holds out the possibility of much more.

If I were cynical, I'd say that their decision is based on corporate
strategy, which is not necessarily in line with what their users might
actually want from the tool. So perhaps the FOSS model would be more
useful for us in this regard? 

Jonathan