Hi Jasmine: All of my SMEs, with one or two exceptions, use FrameMaker to draft material for me. The amount of time it saves me from converting Word to FrameMaker is worth the money. I've been told this is just short of a miracle, but I just wanted to let you know that it's possible, and there are even a few of them who prefer FrameMaker to Word.
I might have an advantage because I moved to structured FrameMaker, so it makes it easier for the SMEs to follow the templates. You didn't mention if you're using structured. If you're not, this probably isn't a good time to introduce it. My "secrets" to winning over the SMEs are: - Give them a cheat sheet. - Give them a one-hour tutorial. - Offer to be their technical support any time of the day or night. - Point out that if they work in FrameMaker, they don't have to give you the material as far in advance in order to give you enough time to convert the files from Word. Sorry I can't help you on an upgrade path except to echo Jeff's question: why would the SMEs need Acrobat? I'm currently looking at upgrading myself, so I'm working out a plan, too. Fei Min -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of quills at airmail.net Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2011 6:38 PM To: framers at lists.frameusers.com Subject: Re: Need Advice on Upgrade Strategies for FM and Acrobat You'll have to train them to use your templates. It might be easier to let them use Word and import those files. Many of the uninitiated balk at maintaining the discipline needed to not use line formatting. But, if there is political will, you could do alright. Scott On 2/9/11 3:49 PM, Graham, Jasmine S wrote: > Hello Fellow Framers, > > I need your advice on how to best recommend a strategy for new Frame and Acrobat software purchases/licensing/upgrades/maintenance contracts, etc. I apologize for the lengthy email with many questions, but I'm sure I'm still overlooking some important points. > > SOME HISTORY > I currently have the TCS1 package FM 8 (structured), Acrobat 9, Robohelp, Captivate, on Windows XP SP3. For 2+ years, I've been the only FM user here (everyone else uses Word). Frame's strong points are helping me to develop and maintain large amounts of new technical documentation. So, I've won some support for it, which I am really thrilled about. > > THE OPPORTUNITY > Now there is an interest in purchasing FM for possibly 3-4 SMEs who will be drafting documentation for my project. These folks perform engineering and testing functions (writing is not their primary task), but their manager sees value/potential in using Frame vs. Word and wants to gain momentum with it. > > THOUGHTS / QUESTIONS > > -- We should all use the latest Frame (10). Should I upgrade Frame only on my PC, or should I really consider the full TCS3 upgrade? I already have Photoshop. The other folks don't need Robohelp/Captivate, so TCS3 is overkill for them. > > -- All of us need a compatible Acrobat (I have no idea what to expect if we install Frame 10 on one of these laptops with an older version of Acrobat). Should I recommend the latest Acrobat for everyone just to be safe? > > -- Are there some reliable, yet also fairly reasonable licensing/upgrade/maintenance strategies to keep us all in sync? > > -- What's beneficial to do now in case we should add Frame users again down the road? > > -- What gotchas, headaches, and other things must I think about before I jump into the deep end?? > > Since day one, I've not had any problems with my TCS1 setup, so I'm quite nervous about introducing new software versions without introducing unwanted special effects. :-) > > I also know that there will be a learning curve and I'll have to train the others, create cheat sheets, and so forth. And, I must get familiar with the new interface, too. I'm confident I can manage these things. Also, I've made every effort to keep the template streamlined and simple, so hopefully, that will help, too. > > THANKS IN ADVANCE for all words of wisdom and experience in this area!! :) > > Jasmine Graham _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to framers as feimin.lorente at onsemi.com. Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/feimin.lorente%40ons emi.com Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
