TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Turnkey Solutions to Online Documentation--Query From:Nan Breedlove <nan -at- ATWC -dot- TERADYNE -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 29 Nov 1994 10:54:15 PST
In trying to develop an online documentation strategy, I am looking at
a couple of vendors who can take the software version of our manuals
and deliver our documentation on CDs. I would appreciate answers to
the following questions from those of you who have tried (or who have
considered) such an approach.
1. Why did you use (or consider) this approach?
2. Were you pleased with the result?
3. Did the turnkey service provide a significant savings in cost over
paper documentation?
4. How did the cost of a turnkey solution compare to what you might
have had to spend doing the online coding, etc. yourself?
5. How much time did you have to spend in consultation with the vendor
and in testing the product?
6. Would you use the same vendor for a subsequent edition of your
documentation?
7. What should I beware of in using this approach?
8. After using a turnkey approach, would you choose to invest in the
tools and personnel to put your documents online yourself. Why or
why not.
9. If you researched several vendors, what criteria did you use in
making your final selection?
10. How did you locate such vendors?
Nan Breedlove
nan -at- atwc -dot- teradyne -dot- com
(510) 746-5533
