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Conversion
An Experiment in Converting Legacy
Data to Unicode and XML
This is a quick example to give a general overview of the complete process of converting a legacy file to
Unicode (UTF-8) and XML (we have chosen to use 
OSIS markup format). Learning about the
various utilities will take time, but this should give you the big picture.
Encoding Conversion Frequently Asked
Questions and Known Issues
Frequently Asked Questions and Known Issues concerning conversion of legacy data to Unicode.
SIL IPA93 Data
Conversion
Step-by-step instructions on how to convert Microsoft Word, text or Standard Format (sfm) documents that use
SIL IPA93 fonts in order to use Unicode fonts.
Are there fonts available that will
work for you?
This article helps you know what to consider when looking for fonts to meet your Unicode needs.
When to Convert to
Unicode
This article will help you recognize whether you and your language data have entered the window of
opportunity for converting your data to Unicode. It will also help you predict whether you are approaching
the end of the window: the point where a conversion is necessary. It will help you decide whether
now is the time to convert.
Is the technical expertise to do the
conversion available to you?
Actually converting data to Unicode requires special expertise. Some users can learn what is required. This
article explores whether you should get help or whether you have the expertise to attempt it by yourself.
Does available Unicode software meet
your needs?
For Unicode to work, the operating system and other programs you use need to know how to use it correctly.
This article will help you decide if all your software is in place for you to use Unicode.
What is Unicode? and Why do I need to
use Unicode?
Unicode is a character encoding standard that has widespread acceptance. This article describes what it is
and why you need it.
Do your colleagues use
Unicode?
If you need to exchange data with people who have not made the switch to Unicode, then that may be reason for
you to wait until they are ready to convert at the same time as you are. On the other hand, if you need to
exchange data with people who have already made the switch, then it may well be time for you to join them.
This article helps you make that decision.
Are you ready to learn about how to
use Unicode?
As you think through when to do a conversion, find out how much you’ll have to learn.
Is it time to archive your
data?
When it is time to archive data for people to use in the future, Unicode is really the only reasonable
option.
Is software going to force Unicode on
you?
For Unicode to work, the operating system and other programs you use need to know how to use it correctly.
This article will help you make some hard choices.
Is anyone requiring you to use
Unicode?
When considering converting to Unicode you need to know if any organization requires you to use it.
Can you type all the characters you
need?
This article discusses how you will input (keyboard) all the characters you need.
Are you willing and able to
“straddle the fence”?
If you can answer “yes” to this question, you will have more flexibility as to when to convert. This article
helps you figure out the answer.
Complex Mapping Description: A Description of Extended UTR22
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