Framemaker desktop to Framemaker Server, Adobe Content Server, Sharepoint, and Sitecore

[Carol J. Elkins]

Fellow Framers,

Background: I'm an independent business owner who manages the 
publication and maintenance of large suites of documentation for 
clients using unstructured Framemaker and Acrobat via Adobe TechComm 
Suite loaded on a Windows7 desktop. {whew!} All files are stored on 
my own local computers, and I have well-developed workflow, backup, 
and version control systems in place. One particular long-time client 
produces standards and specifications that regulate a branch of the 
transportation industry. The documents are developed at a committee 
level and given to me in whatever format they are most comfortable 
using for knowledge transfer; usually Word or PDF markup.  I have 
never seen a need for this client to consider an XML output, and my 
client would probably resist the recommendation if I made it. My 
product is PDF files.

Problem: This client needs to develop a more robust ecommerce 
solution for their documents. Currently the docs are distributed via 
hardcopy or as PDFs via CD and subscription download. This client's 
parent company has enlisted the services of a Web development company 
who is recommending that my client employ some combination of 
Framemaker Server, Adobe Content Server, Sharepoint, and Sitecore. I 
haven't quite figured out yet what that combination might be because 
today was the first I've heard about it. The good news is that my 
client is requiring my presence and input even in the early 
discussions about this project. I want my input to be valuable and to 
represent my client's best interests, and I want to be able to help 
steer them through all of this.

Questions: I have done some preliminary digging into Framemaker 
Server and Adobe Content Server. I have a fair grasp of Sharepoint's 
capabilities, and zero knowledge about Sitecore. I have minimal 
experience with Framemaker's structured environment, although I've 
taken several workshops. I'd like to hear from any of you whose 
Framemaker documentation cycle involves any combination of these 
products. Did that involvement require a transition from a desktop 
environment to a server environment? How has it changed your 
workflow? As an independent business, what changes did you need to 
make to your own office computing set-up? How did Framemaker behave? 
What is the relationship of these products to one another and to 
Framemaker? What were the benefits? What were the consequences?

These may not be the right questions to ask, but I was a bit 
broad-sided by the Web development company's sudden discussion of 
these tools, and I know that this group of Framers can be gentle with 
folks who haven't learned enough yet to ask intelligent questions. If 
there are better questions to ask, I know I can trust you to suggest them.

Carol

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Carol J. Elkins---A Written Word LLC
Making Information Understandable
Phone: 719-948-3773
mailto:celkins at awrittenword.com
http://www.awrittenword.com
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