[Framers] Arbortext v Frame

[ideaslists at ideastraining.com]

I had Arbortext demo'ed to me about 10 years ago, so keep in mind my info
could be VERY out of date. (But then again, Frame from about 10 years ago is
still similar to the Frame of today, just some enhanced features...) Also,
my demo was coming from the client, not the Arbortext team.

I thought Arbortext looked a lot like structured Frame without the WYSIWYG
view--so basically the structured tree view. One had to render the project
to see a preview. If there was an error, one had to go back to the tree view
to fix the error, and then re-render the project to double-check the
preview. A lot of back and forth.

Also, the output modules, such as PDF, were extra from the software cost.
Everything was a la cart and the cost was expensive compared to Frame. 

I was told the support would so-so. I also heard that the sales team was the
best thing about the company.)

Again, please keep in mind my disclaimers in the first paragraph.

David Creamer
IDEAS Training

-----Original Message-----
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2018 00:33:56 +0000
From: "ROSS, Chris" <chris.ross2 at baesystems.com>
To: "framers at lists.frameusers.com" <framers at lists.frameusers.com>
Subject: [Framers] Arbortext v Frame

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