Enterprises looking to fast track their content strategy and minimize the risks of a “big-bang” initiative are choosing DITA--one of the most popular information models to suit today’s content–rich, multi-channel environment. But how do you know where to begin? How do you move the enterprise content strategy from the back room to the board room and develop a framework for success?

Amber Swope (JustSystems) and Michael Priestley (IBM) started the ball rolling with the release of the DITA Maturity Model, a document that divides DITA adoption into six levels, each with its own required investment and associated return on investment. The Maturity Model can help you assess your own capabilities (DITA readiness) and business goals and assist you in choosing the appropriate initial adoption level for your needs and schedule.

Now it's your turn. We've modularized the DITA Maturity Model and created a special community area of the wiki knowledge base dedicated to helping improve the model. The goal of the DITA MM Community (DITA MMC) is to elevate the discussion of DITA adoption and provide practitioners, managers and executives with a working forum to share knowledge and practical guidance, develop DITA MM Business Cases, test out DITA MM implementation scenarios and get peer-to-peer advice.

This community is designed to bring the DITA Maturity Model to life, applying the “Wisdom of the Crowds” to the evolution and refinement of this approach to DITA adoption. The premise is that none of us is as good as all of us. The DITA MMC is an evolving resource that will grow and change over time with your active participation and contributions.

Please take some time to visit the DITA MMC and share your thoughts about the DMM, suggestions for improvement, and use case scenarios.