News-X is a news source application, for the storage, searching and editing of incoming text-based news information. This application is currently in use at Radio Free Asia. It is an open platform system in which the user interface runs under any WEB browser. It is multi-feed, multi-lingual capable and also capable of processing News Server (e-mail) input.
The principal approach to date for the News-X program development has been to leverage improved machine performance to allow relatively high results from simple standards and non-flashy programming (basic HTML, high-level scripting languages, generic SQL database calls). The News-X system itself has been written with Python scripts on a Linux server and using a Web interface for the clients. With some care, incompatibilities between Web browsers are avoided and a simple cross-platform tool is invoked with little effort.
Other integrated desktop facilities such as e-mail and text editing are tied into the system using MIME extensions to specify the "type" of application needed for a function, rather than naming the application itself. This lets each user use a favorite word processor with no inconsistencies.
RBOSS applications are currently going through a major version update intended to apply Semantic Web (NAB Paper 2009) technologies to the applications in order to advance the interoperability of the RBOSS suite and other applications. Semantic Web technologies will allow for a deeper search of content assets, position RBOSS to more quickly integrate and adapt with new system in the broadcast chain and simplify the repackaging of content for new delivery platforms. The upgrade will allow each RBOSS component's metadata can be articulated independently.
It is intended for the use of a Semantic Web model to allow for all available content to be associated with related but different format media in order to adapt to "New Media" models as they are developed or as they become available.
RBOSS Programs are distributed under the GNU Public License. In no event will Radio Free Asia be liable for any loss or damages of any kind, including loss of data, lost profits, cost of cover or other special, incidental, consequential or indirect damages arising out of the use or inability to use of any files, programs or documentation distributed freely on this site however caused and on any theory of liability. This limitation of liability will apply even if RFA has been advised of the possibility of such loss or damage. All users acknowledge and assume with the use of all material available on this site this allocation of risk.
If you are interested in testing the RBOSS applications in you facility please contact RFA's Technical Operations Division for access to binary files, documentation and CVS repositories.
