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Special Document Conversion Issue
If you really want to scare yourself, why not try calculating the cost of re-creating a single A4 page document? I reckon its costs around £1 per page! If you have either mixed operating systems or mixed applications, or even if you have a simple connection to the Internet then you have to deal with document conversion. Or, if you are migrating from on old legacy system you need a pretty good one-shot migration method that will allow you to read and edit your old legacy documentation.
Removes the barriers to sharing electronic documents. Document converters allow users of host computer and PC-based document processing systems to exchange fully editable documents while preserving the original formatting. Reduces the cost of migration: Most organizations today have a plan to move from their legacy office systems (Uniplex, ALL-IN-1, OfficeVision, etc.) environment to client-server technology and personal computer networks. Migration plans often call for a lengthy period of coexistence between these technologies, a one to three year transition or a short term conversion. Regardless of the term of your migration, document conversion can reduce the cost of migrating from host office systems to client-server technology (e.g. Profs to Microsoft Word) by:
Compatibility without the cost: To achieve compatibility, organizations must confront the costs of standardizing on new equipment, new software and the re-training of users. By implementing document converters, compatibility can be achieved without the heavy costs associated with standardization. Preserve valuable business documents: Conversion helps businesses protect their investment in valuable documents residing on their legacy systems. Automatic file type detection and conversion reduces end-user support needs and makes it easier for administrators to manage the network. With a good conversion installation, conversions will occur transparently to the end-user. This eliminates the time and frustration spent dealing with incompatible documents.
KEYpak (for Unix) and KEYVIEW (for Windows) have been around for many years and in our view have always provided the best of the generalised convertors. The two versions are essentially the same at their heart of conversion code, although obviously they have different user interfaces. KEYpak supports over a 100 formats, including the important ones such as Uniplex and MS-Word. KEYpak integrates with popular electronic mail systems and gateways providing transparent document conversion for the user and easy maintenance for the administrator. Features
If you are migrating or co-existing with a Uniplex/Microsoft environment then we have no hesitation in recommending our own TUDOR product. While KEYpak and other generalised convertors have their place, when it comes to detailed very specific high quality conversions you need something specifically written to do the job. TUDOR was developed specifically for moving Uniplex documents to a Microsoft environment and is fully aware of all those Uniplex oddities such as multi-columns, line draw, print styles and so on. TUDOR has been used by some of the largest organisations around the world, including DHL, QANTAS, Q8 Petroleum, GKN as well as many local authorities here in the UK. TUDOR will run on either a Unix or Windows platform. If you are handling small numbers of documents, or occasional conversion, then we would recommend the PC version. If you are handling large batch conversions then the Unix version is more suitable. TUDOR can also be integrated into your mail environment using our PALLADIO mime integrator.
TUSCANY is the spreadsheet converter for legacy Uniplex spreadsheets, written by Dave Cockcroft, the original spreadsheet developer, TUSCANY will handle both data and formulae.
We most strongly recommend the Mijenix' product PowerDesk as the viewing for Windows. Far superior, and yet simpler, than Microsoft's Quick View. See our full discussion of this product in August newsletter. Essentially PowerDesk is a full replacement Explorer package, with the added benefit of being able to view all files as your browse around. Doesn't sound much but just adds so much to your productivity. However, although there is some conversion facilities built- in, you should be aware this is not fundamentally a document converter, more a viewer.
In order to avoid your poor users having to convert every single attachment that comes their way via the Internet and email you should strongly consider integrating document conversion into your mail system. For NT systems KEYview can be integrated directly into Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes. For Uniplex systems you can use PALLADIO, which not only handles document conversion, but also auditing and optional virus checking as well as full MIME support. If you are connecting Uniplex to Microsoft or the Internet then you should seriously consider the benefits of Palladio.
TUSCANY Spreadsheet Conversion PALLADIO Mail Integration and Security
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Centreline 2000 - Uniplex, Unix, Windows and Internet Arle Court, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 6PN Tel: (UK) 01242 255 000 |
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URL: www.c2000.com/papers/nw_980901.htm © 1995-2001 Centreline 2000 Last Updated: 1st September 1998 |
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