CompuServe Messages

Rich, Thanks for the expedient reply! The proposed project is to replace a printed production specification manual (that is produced at great cost in very small volumes) with electronic templates and instructions on how to use them. Since the users of the manual are using PCs and Macs to actually produce the material, we felt that going the extra step to provide electronic templates would save time, improve quality, etc. etc. Because of the large number of templates, as well as having to support two platforms (and possibly three operating systems), I suggested CD-ROM. The client is of course very intrigued by this simple distribution scheme. I intend to use HyperCard to create the "front end" for the manual, and to provide an index and links to the templates. I will convert the stack and rework it in ToolBook (for Windows and OS/2 if necessary). I will simulate the project on Syquest cartridges (I anticipate about 75 meg of data for each platform). I would then turn the project over to a subcontractor for writing to CD-ROM. 1. Is this do-able? It has to be plug and play easy for the user, as well as being inexpensive to produce the content. 2. Would it be worth it to wait for cross-platform development tools from Apple, MicroSoft, Kaleida, Kodak, et. al.? 2. I am concerned about reports of sluggish performance on the Mac with cross-platform CD-ROMS, something inherent with the ISO 9660 standard. 3. I am curious about rolling our own versus contracting out. The initial quantity will be 40 CD-ROMS. (I know buying roll-your-own equipment wouldn't make sense for one project, but if the project is successful demand for CD-ROM from this client will skyrocket.) 4. What can I expect the CD-ROM production bill to be, based on 40 CD-ROMs, given that the content is ready-to-write? Thanks for your help. Ray Taylor