🚀 go-pugleaf

Hi Mathiew,

What I would recommend in your case is using structured FrameMaker in combination with the FrameScript programming language to directly publish the catalogue from your database system.

A "structured" FrameMaker document is built on top of a pre-defined schema, consisting of structural elements that represent the various types of content in your document.

For example could define a top-level "catalog entry" element to represent a catalog entry. These "catalog entry" elements would correspond with records in your database.

Each catalog entry element would then contain additional, nested elements that represent the various types of content that you want to publish. These elements would correspond with the fields of your database.

A script written in the FrameScript language could automatically query your database and automatically build a catalog. The script would insert one "catalog entry" element per record, with additional elements representing the content. You could program the script to also insert elements that are place holders for images or additional content that you want to insert yourself.

FrameScript is a rapid-development language for FrameMaker, and contains everything necessary to integrate FrameMaker with any ODBC-compliant database.

As it happens, I am a FrameMaker internals developer and run my own consulting company called GolehTek LLC, which specializes in developing custom applications that integrate FrameMaker with database systems.

Based on what you�ve written to the Framers list, I could build a catalog publishing system in approximately two to three weeks development time, including all necessary scripts, schemas, and templates. The cost of a FrameScript-based approach is significantly less than developing a solution in the C language, or in proprietary database publishing tools which also require a significant investment in consulting time to configure.

If you would like more information about the products and services that I provide, please visit my web site at www.golehtek.com.

I would be happy to arrange a conference call at your convenience to discuss how I might be able to help you achieve your goals.

Best regards,

Martin

Martin R. Smith
GolehTek, LLC
www.golehtek.com