FrameMaker 8 allows technical communicators, subject-matter experts and trainers to add rich-media elements to otherwise static documents. XML integration is intended to accelerate content creation, localisation and distribution across operating systems, devices and platforms. Unicode support enables publication of complex technical documents in multiple languages.
Naresh Gupta, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Print and Classic Publishing Solutions at Adobe Systems, said the integration of Flash, 3D and Unicode was intended to reduce restrictions imposed by language, location and device.
Complex documents in a flexible authoring environment
FrameMaker 8 provides either a familiar word-processing environment with format tags or a fully structured authoring environment optimised for XML and SGML. Authoring tools and customisable templates support technical-documentation workflows.
Support for the Darwin Information Typing Architecture simplifies writing, reviewing, publishing and exchanging topic-based information in XML, as well as creating DITA maps. Book-authoring and layout tools include automatic numbering and cross-references. A new change-marking function identifies edits made by authors during review.
Thomas Aldous, President of Integrated Technologies, described FrameMaker 8 as a customisable XML editor with complete DITA support and an integrated publishing workflow.
Dynamic documents with 3D and rich media
Authors can embed 3D models and Flash Player-compatible SWF files directly in Adobe PDF documents. Adobe Reader users can then access interactive 3D, video and animation content inside the document. The workflow can also incorporate screen recordings, simulations, exercises and tests created with Adobe Captivate 3.
Publishing for international audiences
FrameMaker 8 supports Unicode text encoding for multilingual technical documentation. A multilingual dictionary and hyphenation options are included. Adobe also introduced FrameMaker 8 Server, which integrates the application’s print and publishing functions with server-based systems.
Pricing and availability
Adobe FrameMaker 8 is expected in August 2007 for approximately €1,379 before VAT on Windows and €2,279 before VAT on Solaris Unix. Registered users can upgrade for approximately €349 on Windows or €499 on Solaris Unix. FrameMaker Server 8 is scheduled for October 2007 at approximately €9,439 before VAT, with registered-user upgrades priced at approximately €4,699.
