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A
Anonymous
September 28, 2009
Question

FrameMaker 9 import / export XML and Finding Someone to Create EDD

  • September 28, 2009
  • 2 replies
  • 2054 views

I've been tasked by my company to select a structured XML authoring tool and I've narrowed my selection to FrameMaker 9 and Arbortext.  At first I didn't consider FrameMaker because I wasn't aware of the XML import / export tool version 9 has.  My concern is 2 fold.  #1 I'm having difficulty finding a resource to develop an EDD.  My company manufactures aircraft components and most of my contacts use XML based products, not SGML to produce Air Transportation Association (ATA) compliant component maintenance manuals .  #2, I've noticed some blogs where there was some issues with FrameMaker when importing or exporting XML docs or DTDs.  How well does FrameMaker 9 really import / export XML docs or DTDs?  I understand there will be inherint difficulties due to inclusion / exclusion elements of an SGML document based EDD converting to an XML document based on a XML DTD.  Can anyone share their experience on these two points?  Thank you in advance (o:

Eric

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2 replies

M
Michael_Müller-Hillebrand-basb
Inspiring
September 29, 2009

Hi Eric,

If I understand your task correctly you are in luck: Working with XML avoids all the SGML pitfalls. FrameMaker is both, an XML editor and a DTP layout engine. I know of no limitations what FrameMaker can interpret when using an XML DTD. But for the layout engine there are some restrictions, and e.g. the product does not support tables inside table cells.

You would use FrameMaker only if its formatting and printing capability is useful for you, or if you have already become accustomed to its UI for structured documents.

- Michael Müller-Hillebrand

A
Anonymous
September 29, 2009

Thank you Michael for you response.  Just curious...what is a UI and a DTP layout engine?  As far as limitations goes, I've read that when converting SGML to XML there can be some issues with SGML inclusion and exclusion rules that are not allowed in XML.  So I'm thinking that when creating the EDD, care must be taken when considering inclusion and exclusion rules if the docs to be written in Frame are to be converted at somepoint to XML.

Eric

Arnis Gubins
Arnis Gubins
Inspiring
September 29, 2009

Eric,

Have you looked at Mekon's offerings or contacted them to disucss ATA-related documentation systems? See:

http://www.aerospace-defence.com/index.php

A
Anonymous
September 29, 2009

I have visited their website.  Do you have a personal experience with them, and if so can you explain?

Arnis Gubins
Arnis Gubins
Inspiring
September 29, 2009

Eric,

I've had some training clients who have used FM templates and structured applications developed by them and have been satisfied. I've also been at some presentations that various staff members have made and they generally seem to be quite knowledgeable in this area. No affiliation - just a suggestion.

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