[Framers] Arbortext v Frame

[ROSS, Chris]

Just Structured FM files, no DITA.

Chris Ross
Senior Technical Writer
Sustainment and Engineering Solutions
BAE Systems Australia

T: 0884807884 | M: 0425288631 | E: chris.ross2 at baesystems.com

BAE Systems Australia
Registered Office: Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, EDINBURGH SA 5111
Registered in Australia No: 008 423 005
www.baesystems.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Framers [mailto:framers-bounces+chris.ross2=baesystems.com at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Scott Prentice
Sent: Tuesday, 20 November 2018 11:39 AM
To: framers at lists.frameusers.com
Subject: [Warning - External] Re: [Framers] Arbortext v Frame

Are you working with XML files in FM or structured FM files? Arbortext 
is an XML editor, FM can edit XML directly or it can work with 
structured FM files .. it's not clear which you're using. If you're 
using XML, you could, in theory author those files in Arbortext, without 
much effort. If you're using structured FM files, you may be able to 
export them to XML and open those files in Arbortext, but it's likely 
going to be a bit of effort.

Arbortext uses a different mechanism to apply formatting to the XML .. 
not structure applications (EDD/template/etc.) .. similar in concept, 
but you'd likely need to recreate each one from the ground up.

In theory the two tools can be used in a similar manner, to produce 
similar deliverables, but it's a fairly significant shift. I think you'd 
have a bit of work just to get an Arbortext trial set up to compare with 
your current process, especially if you're not using XML files in FM.

I'm only loosely familiar with Arbortext, but I think to get a trial, 
you'll need to contact your local Arbortext rep. If you can't locate 
that person, contact me off list and I can put you in touch with someone 
who will know far more than me on this subject and may be able to help. 
Or maybe someone else on this list will have more useful info.

It sounds to me like someone in management went to a conference and saw 
an impressive demo, and thinks this move will save lots of money. Hmm.

Cheers,
...scott



On 11/19/18 4:33 PM, ROSS, Chris wrote:
> My company is thinking of changing from Framemaker to Arbortext. I have been asked to attend a meeting, consisting mainly of managers and accountants, to represent the Tech writing population.
> I have never used Arbortext before and am finding it very difficult to download a trial version to make any viable comparison. I would appreciate any input from other writers who have used Arbortext.
> Currently:
>
> *        We use Frame for all our technical documentation and deliver usually as PDF.
>
> *        Use structured Framemaker 17.
>
> *        Have EDDs and templates for each customer which can be modified if required.
>
> *        Use defence standards.
>
> *        We use Sharepoint for our configuration management but have to either Zip the frame files or PDF them to put them in Sharepoint.
>
> *        All graphics are referenced and are in JPEG, TIFF, WMF or PNG.
>
> *        Conditional text is often used.
> The main questions I have are:
>
> *        Is Arbortex easy to use and intuitive?
>
> *        Can Frame documents be imported into Arbortex easily and work?
>
> *        How easy is it to create templates/EDDs (equivalent) in Arbortext and modify them?
>
> *        Can conditional text (or equivalent) be used in Arbortex?
>
> *        Can JPEGs, TIFFs etc. be imported into Arbortex?
>
> *        Are Arbortex and Sharepoint compatible?
>
> *        Anything that Frame can do that Arbortex wont?
>
> I am very happy using Frame and would like any valid reason for not changing over.
> Thank you.
>
>
> Chris Ross
> Senior Technical Writer
> Sustainment and Engineering Solutions
> BAE Systems Australia
>
> T: 0884807884 | M: 0425288631 | E: chris.ross2 at baesystems.com<mailto:chris.ross2 at baesystems.com>
>
> BAE Systems Australia
> Registered Office: Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, EDINBURGH SA 5111
> Registered in Australia No: 008 423 005
> www.baesystems.com<http://www.baesystems.com/>
>
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>
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>
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This email has been sent on behalf of one of the following companies within the BAE Systems Australia group of companies:

    BAE Systems Australia Limited - Australian Company Number 008 423 005
    BAE Systems Australia Defence Pty Limited - Australian Company Number 006 870 846
    BAE Systems Australia Logistics Pty Limited - Australian Company Number 086 228 864

Our registered office is Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks,
Edinburgh, South Australia, 5111. If the identity of the sending company is
not clear from the content of this email please contact the sender.

This email and any attachments may contain confidential and legally
privileged information.  If you are not the intended recipient, do not copy or
disclose its content, but please reply to this email immediately and highlight
the error to the sender and then immediately delete the message.