updated 07:25 pm EST, Tue January 17, 2012
Apple uses iWork lead Roger Rosner for textbooks
Apple's digital textbook creation system is relying on the manager of its iWork suite, slips uncovered on Tuesday. Productivity app VP Roger Rosner was said by the Wall Street Journal to be "closely involved" in crafting the system. His involvement would reflect the creative nature of the unveiling, which would let publishers and schools themselves easily create their own textbooks.
The strategy being driven by Rosner would be part of efforts from the late Steve Jobs to remake the textbook industry. He saw it as burdened by traditional publishing, where large companies and state certification terms bogged the titles down. Letting schools and other smaller outlets quickly create their own content could democratize it and lower the price of the textbooks, even if it requires an iPad or iPod to read.
Insiders have been careful to tone down expectations that, among some, have suggested some kind of revolution. The step could still make Apple a unique option for educational publishing where Amazon and others have usually kept to the traditional publishing model. Apple is virtually unopposed in tablets among educators, but those wanting a regular textbook system have had to either write their own apps or borrow someone else's, such as Kno.
The general public could benefit from the switch as Apple might go to the modern ePub 3 standard and improve interoperability between platforms.