Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!cbmvax!uunet!adiron!frank
From: frank@adiron.UUCP (Corradino)
Newsgroups: comp.text.desktop
Subject: Re: Word Procs vs. Doc Systems (was Re: Publisher vs. Framemaker?)
Summary: Choice of tools depends on work you do.
Message-ID: <2988@adiron.UUCP>
Date: 27 Feb 91 17:01:39 GMT
References: <1991Feb21.220957.23332@linus.mitre.org> <1451@tekig7.MAP.TEK.COM>
Distribution: usa
Organization: PAR Technology, New Hartford, NY
Lines: 35

briand@tekig5.PEN.TEK.COM (Brian D Diehm) writes:
> [a well written discussion of differences between]
> [word processors and documentation systems       ]

Wow!
I hope Brian doesn't mind if I use his discussion in my justification to
my management for migrating to Interleaf!

Four years ago we migrated from word processing to desktop publishing through
the acquisition of PCs and Ventura Publisher. That step resulted in
significant productivity gains (from 50% to 100% reduction in man-hrs/page
depending on the product or type of document). However, two tasks that
Brian described--change control and effectivity--are becoming increasingly
difficult using Ventura. The difficulty comes as our products become more
complex through maturity and more diverse through customization for specific
customers.

Our experience indicates there are really three levels of tools. We
characterize them as: 1 - word processors
                      2 - desktop publishers
                      3 - documentation systems
with desktop publishers providing a bridge between the two extremes. The
choice of which to use depends more on the type of documentation you intend
to produce and less on your occupation or training.  The type of person
in our department has not changed; the product we document has become
more complex and diverse.

> I trust this is a content-enriched enhancement of my original raspberry! :-)

You are commended for providing the enhancement without involving
personalities.

Frank Corradino                     email: uunet!adiron!frank
PAR Technology Corp.                phone: (315) 738-0600 Ext 338
New Hartford, NY  13413        disclaimer: you bet!