FM7 and using Lasso instead of XML question

[ibiubu]

We are currently using v6 of FM to host web pages. We need to start doing some delivery in foreign languages. For this our best solution is going to be FM7 with its Unicode support. I have a question about my transition over to V7. I am concerned about 100 or so existing CDML pages that will have to be switched over. Thes pages rely HEAVILY upon very specific web page layout and design. For example:

1. Tables. Certain cells are encased in [FMP-If] statements to indicate whether or not the cell contents get displayed. The table and cells are all set to specific widths and heights.

2. Use of text boxes encased in [FMP-If] statements. Text boxes are again place in specific places on the page using specific dimensions.

3. Check boxes encased in [FMP-If] statements. Very percise palcement on the page.

4. [FMP-IncludeField] that pulls the name of an entire HTML page from FM, then this entire web page is displayed.

Would it be easier under these circumstances to use a middleware solution like Lasso instead of XML and cascading style sheets? With Lasso would I be able to just use my existing 100 or so HTML pages and just go in and replace the CDML tags with Lasso tags?

Larry

[Garry Claridge]

Larry,

A CDML/XSLT conversion tool is available on the FM site. It may be worth testing!

I believe that Lasso also has a conversion tool. That may also be worth testing. You would have to find somebody who owns Lasso willing to try it.

Good Luck.

Garry

[ibiubu]

Thanks for the suggestios.

I was able to get a link from the makers of Lasso that allows me to download their conversion tool. The LDML tags for Lasso don't seem to look all that different than CDML tags. Just some slight variations.

I think Lasso might be the way to go. I think it will be easier to switch my existing CDML files over to LDML instead of trying to use XML.There would be a LOT of clean up in swithcing over to XML, even with using the FM conversion tool. Plus, trying to get all the XML pages re-designed to follow the same layout as the old CDML pages would involve a LOT of CSS (cascading style sheet) work.

But this is all assumptions on my part since I have not used either Lasso or don't know XML. Just trying to pick the route with the least amount of learning curve and least amount of rebuilding all my web pages.

Larry

[Steve T.]

Howdy! I remember a post where a fellow got Lasso but had trouble converting his solutions from CDML... he was very upset since that was a primary reason he got Lasso in the first place. You may want to see if you can test first as Garry suggests.

Assuming everything works out, though, Lasso should give you a lot more tools and power than CDML did... be sure to get your money's worth!

--ST

P.S. I just saw the next post and the user w/the problem was Xas... you may want to read his posts. (edit)