LH wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I don't know much about XML and XMLschemas, so I don't know much about what 
> is possible using fx. MSXML.
> Out company develops an application. The document files can be translated to 
> other languages by the users. The user exports the texts to a file, which is 
> send to an external translation firm where it is translated.
> 
> Until now, the interchange files are simple flat text files, which has the 
> following disadvantages:
> * The translation guys make changes to the format or accidentally changes 
> the ID of the text, so that it cannot be imported correctly.
> * The translation guys edit the texts in fx. MsWord, which sometimes changes 
> the contents which must not be changed

As a general principle, avoid using wordprocessors for this kind of
application, as they lack the rigour and robustness needed.

> Here is what I need:

(NOTE: XML doesn't have "fields", it has "elements".)

> * Fields inside the translation file can be locked, so that the translation 
> guys can only change the allowed texts

XML can identify the elements to lock, but it is not executable,
so it cannot do the locking. This is something that must be done
with programmable editing software.

> * The translation file can be read and edited by fx. MsWord and other common 
> applications

It's possible to use the XML editor in Word, but it's not popular.
You cannot reliably edit XML using a wordprocessor.
You should use an XML editor for this task.
Some other common applications can also read XML if needed, but
unless they implement element-level locking you will lose security.

> * Some data can be hidden (not showed to the Translation guys)

This can be done with a stylesheet and a programmable editor.

> * Maybe: It should not be possible to change the locked data, 

This can be done using a programmable editor.

> even using a text editor.

Impossible with XML. It is a text file format and can be edited with
any text editor. If you need this level of restriction, you may want
to build your own application on top of a secure database, and provide
a bespoke editing interface with your own restrictions specially
written.

///Peter
-- 
XML FAQ: http://xml.silmaril.ie/