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

[Jeff Coatsworth]

I'd be a bit skeptical about this "solution" - it sounds like the client would be doing all their authoring in Frame; changing a bunch of users who author in Word and get them to author in structured Frame would be a big change. It sounds like a lot of overkill to me. They probably would be happier with you developing different output formats that work better with websites (like WebHelp or browser-based AIR help). 

-----Original Message-----
From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Carol J. Elkins
Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2010 6:27 PM
To: framers at omsys.com; framers at lists.frameusers.com
Subject: Framemaker desktop to Framemaker Server, Adobe Content Server, Sharepoint, and Sitecore

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

******************************************
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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