[Framers] Arbortext v Frame

[Peter Gold]

What are the expectations of switching? Efficiency of production, lower
ongoing cost, using a platform which doesn't support FrameMaker, better
integration with existing or planned new systems, or…?

There's always a cost to changing a working system and retraining users, as
well as migrating legacy documentation. I believe your company has been
using FrameMaker for decades, so whatever the attraction of new shiny
stuff, don't forget to evaluate all reasons that seem to be generating the
motivation to change from your current working system. IOW, newer isn't
always better.

On 11/19/18 7:33 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
>
>