FrameMaker Server - just a dream?

[_freedomz_]

I currently use FM8 for books. Our company wants me to develop a solution that I think FM can meet but I am not familiar with XML capacities of FM Server.

If I get the FM Server upgrade, can I complete these tasks?:

1) Central, web accessible location for all pdfs.
2) Role-based editing on demand (softwaer developers that need to update the docs periodically) through some web-based interface.
3) Role-based viewing of pdfs (user groups can only view pdfs applied to their group)
4) Creation of an TOC that will automatically update when documents are edited.

This is a theory question. Is it possible? Is FM8 Server using XML enough to do this? Do I need to hire programmers to develop an interface for document editors? What kind (C, Java, etc).

Requesting feedback or some ideas.

Freedom

[frameexpert]

The FrameMaker Server software is identical to the standard FrameMaker software; the only difference is the license agreement. Either version of FrameMaker can be customized and extended with the Frame Developers Kit (FDK), which uses the C programming language. Or, you can use FrameScript, a mature, robust, third-party scripting language for FrameMaker (http://www.framescript.com).

Rick Quatro
rick at frameexpert dot com
585-659-8267

[_Scott_Prentice_]

As Rick says, FM Server is functionally the same as the standard version, it's just a different license agreement. You can do your testing and evaluation on a single user license and if you're able to do what you want, then buy the server license.

What you're asking for is completely possible, and this functionality is provided by a number of CMS systems. To implement it yourself will require a good understanding of FrameMaker's XML capabilities and the ability to develop a web application that can talk to an application and manage the files. You'll also need to develop some functionality using the FDK or FrameScript that lets you drive Frame programmatically.

Based on your list, most of the work looks like it would be in the web app area, not so much with Frame. All you're asking of Frame is to generate PDFs from files that are sent to it.

I've developed various pieces for this type of system, and if you're looking for some help, feel free to contact me.

Cheers,

Scott Prentice
Leximation, Inc.
www.leximation.com