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T
TuelBox
Participant
May 11, 2007
Question

Why use RoboEngine

  • May 11, 2007
  • 3 replies
  • 1000 views
I have a Web site that we are going to add RoboHelp to.
I am trying to figure out if RoboEngine is necessary for controlling help to are app.
I am having troubles finding any substantial documentation on RoboEngine, its use, benefits or drawbacks. Could some please point me in a good direction on this matter?
This topic has been closed for replies.

3 replies

T
TuelBoxAuthor
Participant
May 14, 2007
Tank you all for replaying. We currently have X5 Office Pro. So we have the engine already. From the small amount of info that I have bean able to gather it sounds like in theory that the Engine/Server is the way to go. But what I am seeing in reality is that it is not as easy to work with as one would like. There appears to be several issues with converting from x5 to the 6 version. We are just starting out with the x5. I am sure they will plan to move to 6 when they can afford to. Since we are just starting out what are some suggestions on setting up 5 to make it less painful when they decide to move to 6?
A
Anonymous
May 14, 2007
John:

Thanks for your answers. I appreciate it. Great information.

Regards,
Lana
Captiv8r
Captiv8r
Legend
May 11, 2007
Hi TuelBox

Normally the questions you need to ask are these.

* Are you prepared to spend another $1,000 or so to acquire the RoboHelp Server component?
* Do you want the capability of usage reports? For example, how many times certain help topics have been viewed?
* Do you want the ability to just publish projects to a central location and have the software provide a combined Table of Contents, Index and Search? Keep in mind that you can still merge WebHelp without using RoboEngine.

I suppose these are the main positive points. As for negative points, you need to also consider that installing, configuring and troubleshooting the RoboEngine can often be tricksy and is a job that your Web admins will need to do.

Not trying to sway you one way or the other. Just trying to provide information that may help with your decision.

Cheers... Rick
A
Anonymous
May 11, 2007
Rick, or anyone else that can answer these additional questions on RoboHelp Server 6:

Does RoboHelp server 6 work in a Server Load Balancing Environment?
Can a auto install config for a remote server be created?
Are there any licensing issues for RoboHelp server version? This means, if it is spread over many servers as well as distributing Help to customers along with the application.

Thanks in advance. These are the questions I am getting from upper management.

Note:
I used RoboEngine at a previous employer and don't remember all of these issues, but I can't proceed without answers.

I know the benefits of the server environment such as the usage reports for feedback to help improve the help system, plus the ability to have all projects published to the same location, which helps serve as a management tool.

johndaigle
johndaigle
Legend
May 12, 2007
Following up on Rick's fine comments, I could only add 3 things:

1. Generally speaking, the RoboHelp Server 6 does accommodate load balancing and this should not require you to purchase more than one license. That said, there are some "creative" architectures out there and I'm not familiar with all of them, so your mileage may vary.

2. For an overall view of the features of RoboHelp Server 6, I suggest you take a look at my Adobe Developer Center article titled
Adobe RoboHelp Server 6 improves the feedback loop

3. Lastly, here is a helpful TechNote on configuration of the RoboHelp Server 6
Permissions required for RoboHelp Server 6

Thanx,
John
John DaigleAdobe Certified RoboHelp and Captivate InstructorNewport, Oregon
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