Hi all

A number of folks had more questions on DynaTech and LaserROM.  Here is
a FAQ provided by Mariann Tymn in CSY:


HP Instant Information
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is HP Instant Information?

HP Instant Information is the name for HP's new generation of
electronic documentation.  Note that the name "HP Instant
Information"  refers to both the updated content and the new
browser, which delivers a new user interface, powerful search
functionality, and enhanced print-on-demand capabilities. HP
Instant Information replaces HP LaserROM as the technology
used to deliver documentation on CD-ROM.


2. What is DynaText?

HP Instant Information includes a 3rd-party browser product
called DynaText, which HP has licensed from Inso Corporation
(formerly Electronic Book Technologies, Inc. or EBT).  DynaText,
which replaces the proprietary HP LaserROM browser software, is
a commercially available product which we have integrated into
HP Instant Information.

3. What are the new features of HP Instant Information?

HP Instant Information offers the following new features not
available with HP LaserROM:

    -Improved support for graphics and tables
    -Advanced printing functionality, including:
        -Postscript-quality printing of proportional fonts,
        graphics and tables
        -The ability to print chapters or entire books
    -Improved collection structure
    -Ability to view Table of Contents and document text in the
     same window
    -Integration of search and browse windows
    -Online Table of Contents file


4. Are there any features of HP LaserROM that are not
supported by HP Instant Information?

The following LaserROM features will not be available in HP
Instant Information:

    -Custom bookshelves
    -A character-mode browser
    -Hardcopy Table of Contents and Service Note
    -Support for other non-Postscript printers previously
     supported by LaserROM (e.g. PCL)
    -Support for Canon (LIPS) printers in the Japanese version
     (this functionality is scheduled to be restored in a
     subsequent version)


5. What will happen to HP LaserROM?

HP Instant Information is replacing HP LaserROM for all
documentation sets for which significant future revisions are
expected.  Once these documentation sets have been converted or
scheduled for obsolescence, the HP LaserROM retrieval software
will begin its obsolescence.


6. Does this have any impact on my support contract?

The move to HP Instant Information has no impact on your support
contract -- you will receive updates for this new product in the
same way that you have previously received HP LaserROM updates starting
MPE/iX Release 6.0.


7. Do I need to order anything differently to receive HP
Instant Information?

You do not need to order anything new or different to receive HP
Instant Information.  In fact, for new support contracts,
ordering has been simplified because you are no longer required
to purchase a separate product for the HP LaserROM retrieval
software license.  Simply order the product # for the appropriate
documentation update service, and the DynaText browser will
be provided on the HP Instant Information for MPE CD at no
additional charge.

8. Should I keep my LaserROM CD?

The final LaserROM for MPE is being distributed in late November, early
December 1997.  Since there may be documents that are not scheduled for
major revision, keep this final LaserROM.

9. Do I need to use both LaserROM and Instant Information?

The "last" LaserROM for MPE is going to be distributed in late
November.  It is the archive version that should be kept by MPE
customers.  It will be necessary to use both the LaserROm and Instant
Information (DynaText) browsers until and if we convert all of the
documents.  By 6.0 there will be 40+ of the manuals converted.  SST
also has documents on the LaserROM (compilers, etc.).  Their
conversion plan has not yet been decided.


Regards,
Jeff Vance, CSY

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