Using FrameViewer to deliver docs

Subject: Using FrameViewer to deliver docs
From: Robin Whitmore <robin -dot- whitmore -at- CYGENT -dot- COM>
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 11:50:31 -0700

Cross-posted to Framers and Techwhrlrs.

(I tried to find answers in the Framer's archive, but it doesn't seem to be
working at the moment, so please forgive me if this has already been
discussed.)

I am writing user manuals for Java-based e-commerce software. The software
will be sold as separate components that form a suite. For this reason, the
docs also need to be "componentized." We have also decided that the docs
will be provided in electronic version with the products. If a customer
wants a printed version, they will be charged extra. We also will provide
online help for step-by-step procedures done in the GUI.

Originally, I was going to produce the docs in Frame and convert to PDF.
That way, I have a version that can easily be printed if needed. I was going
to provide online help via WebHelp.

In reading the Frame manual on how best to prepare the document to make full
use of PDF "interactivity", I learned of FrameViewer. (FrameViewer allows
users without Frame to view any Frame document, as well as make notes and
create bookmarks.) It seems that if I create my docs in Frame, I can add all
sorts of hot spots, including some that are not available with PDF. So now I
am thinking of supplying FrameViewer with the software and creating the docs
with conceptual and procedure info separated. For example, the first page of
the doc for Billing might have links to: How to use this document,
Conceptual information, Step-by-step Procedures, Table of Contents, and
Index. Since the procedures are linked separately, this could take the place
of online help, as the user would select the procedure link. Also, because
the docs are "componentized," they will not be very large. The TOC and index
that Frame generates should be sufficient for the user to find needed info,
whether conceptual or procedural.

Has anyone used FrameViewer to deliver docs? Has anyone used it to replace
online help? Please send any comments, suggestions, and experiences, as this
almost seems "too good to be true."

Thanks for all your help,
Robin Whitmore
Cygent, Inc.


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