Structured content is content that follows a defined content model, usually based on XML, which specifies the elements and structure of a document. The structure is typically defined by a DTD or XML Schema that contains a rich set of semantic elements to describe the content.
Structured content is not defined by style or formatting, but rather by its meaning and purpose. For example, you would use a “procedure” element that includes “steps” to write instructions, and you would use dedicated elements like “warning” or “note” to write certain admonitions. Structured content also allows the author to use a wide range of metadata to further define it.
Structured XML-based content is also machine-readable, which makes it ideal for the use in CCMS solutions to allow for intelligent processing, content reuse and single-sourced multi-channel publishing.