RE: Best Modern Alternative to CHM?

["Steve Wiseman" <swiseman -at- contextengage -dot- com>]

Hi all,

So Keith wants a content delivery that isn't contained in a browser. So how
about these ideas:
* A web widget that appears on the page. The example I'm pasting in a second
is working in a browser. However, we have one customer who just implemented
this same solution in a Windows-based app. I would need to ask them how it
was done, if relevant. The idea is here: https://www.ding.com. Notice the
widget in the right corner. Try logging in and you will notice the widget is
content sensitive. This is done using the Zendesk widget - the content is
entered in the Zendesk Help Center. Note, there may be other solutions like
that but I know Zendesk (because we sell Zendesk).
* XML. Actually I have a meeting with a customer tomorrow who wants XML
content to integrate directly into the app. I am not sure as yet what XML
they need and the "how". Maybe someone else knows more. Either way, I'll
report back tomorrow if something useful comes out of the meeting. If this
will be the case, we will author in Paligo and create a delivery in XML that
matches their requirements (but may take some work to convert to the XML
standard they want, unless they will manage with Docbook). 
* I second Robert's question. What's wrong with using a browser? I guess
because the app is windows-based, you don't want to open the help in another
application. If so, some companies incorporate a simple browser as an
integral part of the application so you then deploy local HTML for the
application to use without opening a full external application. 

Personally, I really like the question Keith asked. Maybe we can put our
brains together here to find a great solution. There's now so MANY solutions
out there, each with their own caveat, I'm sure we can find a technical
solution in either one app or a combination. 

Best regards,
Steve Wiseman, CEO, ContextEngage | http://www.contextengage.com ;
US +1-415-501-9156| UK +44-151-808-0440 | Isr +972-522-341-957 |
swiseman -at- contextengage -dot- com|Skype: zusman | Twitter
Customer Service/Experience Experts. Zendesk and Paligo Resellers.
Join the E-CX-I. Israel CX and C-Support Whatsapp Group. Click here.
To arrange a quick 15 minute intro call with me, Click here

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+swiseman=contextengage -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+swiseman=contextengage -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On
Behalf Of Hansen, Keith (Bannockburn)
Sent: Saturday, June 24, 2017 12:22 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Best Modern Alternative to CHM?

Hello,
I need your recommendations for the following situation:
* For a windows-based application, we want self-contained help. In other
words, we do NOT want the help system to be displayed using a browser (no
WebHelp). What would be the best help output to use?
Obviously, Microsoft HTML Help (CHM) would be an option. (It doesn't involve
a Web browser; it's all contained in one file and uses its own viewer.)
However, CHM is very old, and there are problems opening it across a
network.
What would be the best modern alternative to CHM? Is there any? What about
DotNet Help output from Madcap?
Thanks for any opinions you can give.
Keith

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