Re: Why used FOP instead of...

[Jeremias Maerki <je...@outline.ch>]

FOP does almost all we need. What's missing can be added, since it's
OpenSource, right?

We're currently working on a project for an insurance company where
Compuset is used and is to be replaced by an XML/XSLT/XSL:FO-based
approach. One of the reasons for this decision was using freely
available standards like XML, XSLT, XSL:FO etc. What you currently get
when you're using proprietary software is a beautiful WYSIWYG editor. OK,
that's missing for XSLT/XSL:FO but that doesn't matter too much where
our project are targeted. FOA, XSLFast etc. are a good start but not yet
really useful IMO.

Another thing we're doing is provide high-volume printing services, and
one of our outsourcing customers is using Jetform with the result that
we had to write code that patches the PostScript-Files delivered so we
could really use them. And that's just one of many problem they had in
that project.

Well, there's more to tell, but I got to work...

> I would like to know why FOP enthousiast (I am one) are using FO rather 
> than products such as Crystal Reports or other such software (anyone 
> Jetfoms ?). Just for the fun of playing with new technology ?
> 
> Thanks for any hints (in private since this is off-topic)

Cheers,
Jeremias Märki

mailto:jeremias.maerki@outline.ch

OUTLINE AG
Postfach 3954 - Rhynauerstr. 15 - CH-6002 Luzern
Fon +41 (41) 317 2020 - Fax +41 (41) 317 2029
Internet http://www.outline.ch

Re: Why used FOP instead of...

[Jeremias Maerki <je...@outline.ch>]

> Interesting,  I also have experience in Compuset. Do you known Mr. Bulman ?

I personally don't have any experience with Compuset. Sorry.

> Are you happy with FO's speed ?

No. But that doesn't matter so much at the moment, because we will start
small and have designed our solution to be scalable (CPU power doesn't
cost much). I expect the redesign to improve performance and we're
determined to contribute some more work to FOP this year when we get air
to breathe again (well, maybe not too much in the performance part, I
guess).

> So do I understand that Jetform does not produce clean PS ? Isn't it 
> easier to use as FO (I do nor really know Jetform) ? Is it expensive ?

No DSC, at least. And the paper bin code is made for an HP laser printer,
not for a Xerox 4635. Jetform's support seems to be quite bad, too, from
what I've heard. Don't know about the price, though. Again, no
experience in that field. The customer uses Jetform, not us.


Cheers,
Jeremias Märki

mailto:jeremias.maerki@outline.ch

OUTLINE AG
Postfach 3954 - Rhynauerstr. 15 - CH-6002 Luzern
Fon +41 (41) 317 2020 - Fax +41 (41) 317 2029
Internet http://www.outline.ch

Re: Why used FOP instead of...

[Patrick Andries <pa...@videotron.ca>]

Interesting,  I also have experience in Compuset. Do you known Mr. Bulman ?

Are you happy with FO's speed ?

So do I understand that Jetform does not produce clean PS ? Isn't it 
easier to use as FO (I do nor really know Jetform) ? Is it expensive ?

Thanks a lot (when you have some time).

Danke im voraus,

Patrick Andries


Jeremias Maerki wrote:

>FOP does almost all we need. What's missing can be added, since it's
>OpenSource, right?
>
>We're currently working on a project for an insurance company where
>Compuset is used and is to be replaced by an XML/XSLT/XSL:FO-based
>approach. One of the reasons for this decision was using freely
>available standards like XML, XSLT, XSL:FO etc. What you currently get
>when you're using proprietary software is a beautiful WYSIWYG editor. OK,
>that's missing for XSLT/XSL:FO but that doesn't matter too much where
>our project are targeted. FOA, XSLFast etc. are a good start but not yet
>really useful IMO.
>
>Another thing we're doing is provide high-volume printing services, and
>one of our outsourcing customers is using Jetform with the result that
>we had to write code that patches the PostScript-Files delivered so we
>could really use them. And that's just one of many problem they had in
>that project.
>
>Well, there's more to tell, but I got to work...
>
>>I would like to know why FOP enthousiast (I am one) are using FO rather 
>>than products such as Crystal Reports or other such software (anyone 
>>Jetfoms ?). Just for the fun of playing with new technology ?
>>
>>Thanks for any hints (in private since this is off-topic)
>>
>
>Cheers,
>Jeremias M�rki
>
>mailto:jeremias.maerki@outline.ch
>
>OUTLINE AG
>Postfach 3954 - Rhynauerstr. 15 - CH-6002 Luzern
>Fon +41 (41) 317 2020 - Fax +41 (41) 317 2029
>Internet http://www.outline.ch
>
>