What is STEP?

Standard Template for Electronic Publishing

STEP is the Standard Template for Electronic Publishing, a file format designed for the storage and access of electronic Bible reference books. While STEP was designed for Bible reference books, its format is suitable for the publication of any electronic book. Any book in any language can be produced in the STEP format. The text and Bible references in STEP books are fully indexed for fast searching.

STEP is created and maintained by the Bible Software Industry Standards Group, consisting of iExalt Electronic Publishing, Parsons Technology, Zondervan Publishing, Kirkbride Technology, Loizeaux Brothers, and others. Much of the power of STEP is not so much in the design of its file structure or indexing mechanisms, but rather in the unique consortium which created and support it. By creating a file format supported by a number of Bible software companies, BSISG has made it possible for consumers to build portable libraries of reference books. As users' needs change, they can switch software products without leaving their favorite reference books behind. Similarly, they don't have to depend on any one software company to provide the reference books they need for their studies.

What STEP Means to You

• You now have the ability to create a portable library of reference books. Don't worry about having to re-purchase all your books and Bibles when you switch software products - just take your STEP books with you!
• You now have dozens of publishers working to create add-ons for your Bible software. You don't have to wait for one company to get around to your favorite author - his or her publisher may already be doing a STEP version of the books you're waiting for!
• More powerful searching and cross-referencing than you've been accustomed to in most Bible software.
• For example, you can use WORDsearch or LESSONmaker to view your QuickVerse STEP tools. You can also view your WORDsearch and LESSONmaker STEP tools in QuickVerse!

WORDsearch, LESSONmaker, and STEP

WORDsearch and LESSONmaker 5 CD products have fully integrated the STEP standard, so you can add additional STEP electronic books to your library from a growing list of STEP publishers. STEP is built in to WORDsearch so it’s faster, more natural to use, and links directly to the Scripture.

Copyright ⌐ 2000 iExalt, inc. All rights reserved. Prices and packages are subject to change without notice. WORDsearch, LESSONmaker and STEP are registered trademarks of their respective companies.

This page last updated Friday, April 28, 2000.