erik@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Erik Hennum) (07/14/88)
We are using XEROX's ViewPoint DeskTop Publishing system currently in our documentation department. I could burst into flames but let me be tactful and merely say that the experience has not been a happy one. We want to move to a UNIX-based DTP system (other than troff) and we're considering Framemaker. At this point, however, we're wary of glowing promises. Framemaker users, how does Frame compare with other packages in these areas: 1. merging text and graphics 2. controlling formatting with style sheets 3. importing and exporting text 4. supporting native languages other than American/English 5. writing (getting the words in) 6. speed of pagination and page-formatting changes 7. dependability and support 8. freedom from obnoxious quirks and limitations If you evaluated Framemaker and went with another package, what were your reasons? We're going to have multiple overlapping versions of some publications, so revision control is also a MAJOR issue. Please respond by email, I'll summarize if there's interest, and My abundant gratitude in advance, -- ((((((((((Try as I might, my opinions are not official policy.)))))))))))))) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Erik Hennum pacbell!laticorp!erik LatiCorp, Inc. 415/543-1199 "juggle or die" ---------------------------------------- Submissions to: desktop@plaid.sun.com Administrivia to: desktop-request@plaid.sun.com UUCP: {amdahl,decwrl,hplabs,ihnp4}!sun!plaid!desktop{-request} Archives can be gotten from the archive-server. To get information on the archive-server, send mail to: archive-server@plaid.sun.com -or- sun!plaid!archive-server with a subject line of help
apl_aimh@jhunix.HCF.JHU.EDU (Marty Hall) (07/15/88)
If I get around to it, I will try to answer some of the specifics [I am no publishing expert, but very pleased with FrameMaker], but in the meantime, why don't you just try it? Frame will give you a copy free (Save disabled) if you send them a tape. I guess their theory is "try it you'll like it" - that's what sold us. Frame Technology Corp 2911 Zanker Road San Jose, CA 95134 (408) 433-3311 I have no connection with Frame except as a satisfied customer. Regards- - Marty Hall ---------- apl_aimh@jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MS 100/601 ...uunet!jhunix!apl_aimh AAI Corporation apl_aimh@jhunix.bitnet PO Box 126 (301) 683-6455 Hunt Valley, MD 21030 ---------------------------------------- Submissions to: desktop@plaid.sun.com Administrivia to: desktop-request@plaid.sun.com UUCP: {amdahl,decwrl,hplabs,ihnp4}!sun!plaid!desktop{-request} Archives can be gotten from the archive-server. To get information on the archive-server, send mail to: archive-server@plaid.sun.com -or- sun!plaid!archive-server with a subject line of help
peter@ernie.NECAM.COM (Peter DiPrete) (07/19/88)
> the meantime, why don't you just try it? Frame will give you a > copy free (Save disabled) if you send them a tape. I guess their > theory is "try it you'll like it" - that's what sold us. Frame and Interleaf will both send you fully functional copies of their products usually with a 30 day time-bomb attached. NEC took advantage of such a trial and concluded that Interleaf, not Frame had what we wanted in a desktop publishing package. The desktop and create cabinet of Interleaf smokes Frame. Any common graphic, document, even shell script, can be put into the create cabinet and therefore be available to the user's create menu. It's a real time saver. The desktop was the second major item we jumped up and down over. This is the fastest way to share information. Although Frame is more flexible (in page layout only), Interleaf's graphic capability smokes Frames and the product _seems_ more solid (it _was_ possible to get Frame into some kill -9 situations). Look at them both, and decide whether the flexibility is needed. I'll be happy to post more details if folks want to hear... Also, Interleaf's pricing just got competitive. Peter Di Prete NEC America (408)922-3829 ...!sun!imagen!ernie!peter ...!uunet!altnet!ernie!peter ...!sun!snail!maui!ernie!peter ---------------------------------------- Submissions to: desktop@plaid.sun.com Administrivia to: desktop-request@plaid.sun.com UUCP: {amdahl,decwrl,hplabs,ihnp4}!sun!plaid!desktop{-request} Archives can be gotten from the archive-server. To get information on the archive-server, send mail to: archive-server@plaid.sun.com -or- sun!plaid!archive-server with a subject line of help