Case Study: IBM Microelectronics achieves five‑times ROI and faster time-to-market with Quark XML Author

IBM Microelectronics Innovates with a DITA-based Information Strategy to Achieve Five Times ROI

IBM Microelectronics, the semiconductor arm of IBM, faced slow, error-prone publishing of its complex design manuals that delayed partners and product releases. Relying on legacy tools and a handful of technical writers, the team needed a way for hundreds of non‑technical contributors to create searchable, contract‑controlled content that could be reused and delivered quickly across channels.

They implemented a DITA‑based information strategy using Quark XML Author (a Word add‑in) integrated with IBM FileNet Content Manager, enabling structured authoring, centralized control, and automated multichannel publishing. The change opened contribution to a community of ~200 experts, cut time‑to‑publication by 40%, improved collaboration and content quality, and is expected to deliver millions in savings—about a five‑times return on investment.

IBM Microelectronics

Alex Martin

IT Architect, IBM Microelectronics