FM 8 and getting Workgroups to import text blocks from server?

[WA_CAT]

Via the FM 8 Workgroups feature, I am trying to implement importing text blocks on a server (by reference), with auto-update so if the text block on the server changes the Workgroups-linked text block in my local file updates when I open the local file.

Although I followed the Workgroups setup instructions in FM 8 Help, I get a Network Failure. Unable to access server message when I select the file to import and select Import by reference. (I did try the Import/Copy and Open options but got the same error message.) The Workgroups Import dialog box does access the server, as the .fm files on that server are available for selection. Also, the files on the server have the appropriate permission/access privileges set.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[AxialInfo]

Please specify the exact version of FM (from Help > About, the "pxxx" numbers) you're using.

[WA_CAT]

Hi Sheila,

My version is 8.0p277. Since I posted my query, I've had more success in getting the basic functionality (workgroup save as, import, etc.) to work but am still having issues with file management/location and consistency of results when using Workgroup functions. Any suggestions on a good resource that can clarify these issues? The FM online help is not very helpful; while the basic workgroup functions are narrowly defined, the more complex, such as interaction between settings, file location, etc. are not.

Thanks,

WA_Cat

[AxialInfo]

Unfortunately the Workgroups part of FM is not very widely used -- nor very well documented, as you've found -- so there aren't many users who can provide any suggestions. Most user comments that I've read about it are pretty much that it's at best a half-baked implementation, pretty much in parallel with the way the HTML export is quite limited an thus there are several other 3rd party options that provide much more thorough functionality.

Also, with the switchover in forum software on this forum the readership here has been greatly reduced, so I'd say your best bet might be to post on the FrameUsers list, at http://www.frameusers.com because your query will reach a more diverse audience.

You might also check Scott Prentice's tools list at http://www.leximation.com to see if there are any 3rd party workgroup-specific tools available.

Personally, though, I'd also check out using FrameScript instead of Workgroups, as I think it would offer much more flexibility and scope. The Framescript group can be found at

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/framescript-users/

[WA_CAT]

Thanks Sheila for confirming what I was finding in my testing and for the helpful links.

WA_CAT

[NakshatraB]

Hi, What are the exact issues you are running into?
The workgroup files location can be found in the Server setup configuration which can be viewed in the Workgroup Server Setup dialog. FrameMaker would replicate the entire WebDAV directory structure in the managed folder on your local disk.
Also it will be of help if you could tell us what WebDAV server you are using?
FrameMaker 9 solves some of the issues identified in the Workgroup functionality. The Browse URL feature and the ubiquitous HTTP support are unique to FrameMaker 9.

[WA_CAT]

Hi NakshatraB,

The problems I am having are mostly inconsistent results with imports, save as, etc.

What I am trying to do is use eRoom (Inet repository/database, etc.) software as the workgroup server. I have set up the workgroup server in FM on my system and it accesses the directory on eRoom without a problem.

What I'd like to do is use the Workgoup feature to set up a directory on eRoom where authors can save and update text blocks that multiple writers and editors (who have setup the workgroup server setup on thier systems) can import into, and manipulate in, new and existing documents. Can multiple authors, writers, and editors access the textblocks on the server without duplicating the server directory structure on each of their local systems? Unfortunately, going to FM9 is not a possibility.

Thanks,

WA CAT

[NakshatraB]

Hi WA_CAT,

While working with text blocks on the server you should always make it a point of opening all individual files using Workgroup>Open. That is how FM will record it and consider it as a managed file.
When you import a text block(new or existing) using Workgroup > Import you would not be able to see the updated text block until and unless you open that file once using Workgroup > Open. That is again to let FM know that the text block is a managed file. You can then anytime update the text blocks using Text Inset Properties dialog's 'Update Now' option.

Save As operation removes the management information from the document wherever it is being saved. You need to open it once using workgroup to add the management information in a document.
Authors of individual text blocks should keep updating the server copy of the text block using Workgroup>Save. That would update the server copy of the text block without checking in the file.

You don't have to worry about maintaining the server directory structure yourself. It will all be done by FrameMaker itself.

Nakshatra

[Arnis Gubins]

There are a couple of Adobe blogs about the WebDAV capability for FM9 that may give you some more insight into what's going on with FM8.

See: http://blogs.adobe.com/techcomm/2009/04/how_to_integrate_framemaker_9_with_a_webdav_based_cms.html

and http://blogs.adobe.com/techcomm/2009/04/editing_xml_files_on_the_webdav_server_using_browser_plugin....

[WA_CAT]

Thanks Arnis, I will take a look at these.

WA CAT