FrameMaker on Windows - Issues Discussed Today

[Dov Isaacs]

There is no big secret as to how I justify my configurations. It is fairly simple.

(1)     I buy systems that I plan to use as primary systems for approximately four
years although Adobe's corporate policy allows engineers to replace systems on a
two or three year basis. I would rather have a system now that really screams and
that in four years from only begins to show its age in terms of performance.

(2)     I do much more that respond to e-mails or simply write. I do some fairly
compute and disk-intensive work with RIP software and graphically-intensive documents
with InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop all while monitoring e-mail and various web sites.
You need muscle machines (except for the video card) for to reasonably accomplish this.

(3)     When you consider the cost differential of a muscle system versus a wimp system
on a cost per day basis, especially if I use the system for four years, the extra cost is really
not a big issue. Unfortunately, most "DIlbertian" pointy-haired managers and bean counter
types can't see beyond the tips of their noses when it comes to looking at long term cost
issues like this.

(4)     I never beg for my configuration - I tell'em what I need!   :)

        - Dov



_____________________________________________
From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of rinch at Inficon.com
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 6:02 AM
To: framers at lists.frameusers.com
Subject: Re: FrameMaker on Windows - Issues Discussed Today


Dov,

Thank you for taking the time to write your e-mails to the Framers E-Mail
List. Your insight and helpfulness is always greatly appreciated.

Your comment, "Large enterprises are notoriously slow in changing their
standard software configurations" certainly hits home with me. As a
manager in a large enterprise, I've been trying to upgrade from FrameMaker
6 for years now. Sometimes I think we will never upgrade, no matter how
well I present my arguments to do so. It all boils down to money and
customer satisfaction. My customers are very happy with my manuals, and
upper management is loathe to spend money to improve a process that
currently works very well.

Obviously, you are a tremendous proposal writer. How you justified the
computer system you use (and a 30" monitor no less) is nothing short of
amazing to me. If I were to put in a request for such a system, I probably
could hear my IS department laughing even though we are at opposite ends
of the building.

Again, thank you for taking the time to monitor and respond to the Framers
E-Mail List

Richard