Vision
The goal was to create a database-based structure which offers a high degree of freedom in the administration of the basic data underlying TDC forlag A/S’ editorial pages. The aim of the data structure was to enable the production of books based on both Danish and Swedish data. It was important that the user interface be independent of platform as TDC forlag A/S uses MAC computers in their production department.

Method
We created a data structure with a high degree of freedom. Data is stored on an MS SQL server. The user interface contains rules for data formats and the application of data. This helps users to store data consistently wherever possible. Data was imported from an existing data structure (a MAC-based system, 4D) and a number of modifications were made with a view to creating data consistency. Data export is organised into simple, integrated functions and the format is compatible with TDC forlag's production tool, Adobe Framemaker. Due to the fact that the system is to be used in several Nordic countries (Sweden and Denmark to begin with) it was very important to be able to cater for users from these countries, e.g. with regard to character sets, sort rules and date formats.

Result
The resulting Editorial Database (RDB) is a system which supports the production of editorial data for telephone books in both Sweden and Denmark. It is possible to create an infinite number of books, compile a book’s contents and search for or export data as required. User options are managed by well-defined user roles, the language can be updated online throughout the whole system and the system can even integrate data from other parts of the TDC organisation, e.g. the Danish yellow pages on the Internet, www.DeGuleSider.dk. As RDB is a tool used internally by TDC forlag A/S, access is only possible with a user name and password.