My company is adding more work from home (WFH) options. I was unaware that online help published as WebHelp accessed through VPN was so slow as to make it a chore instead of a help. I go in through my remote desktop, so did not see any difference when I tested output. WFH users do not have a remote desktop to access.
I began experimenting by publishing as .chm to gain some speed for them. I instructed some users on how to download the HTML chm help to their desktops, but they reported that it takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the download. In addition, it would be up to the end user to download it daily to stay current. That may not be workable, either. Once downloaded, however, it is acceptably fast.
I have been asked by another department to assist them in setting up RoboHelp for their area if they decide to purchase. I would train the Instructional Designer on how to use RoboHelp from and author/publisher standpoint. I am not a IT person. I have been using RoboHelp since about 2000 and am proficient in the front end stuff, but not back end. Ours is a VERY secure environment with firewalls galore.
If the decision is made to go with RoboHelp instead of straight Sharepoint for their help files, they will be purchasing Version 11. Many of their employees are WFH. I hesitate to advise them to make the financial commitment until I've figured out a solution for end user speed over VPN (if one exists). I have read all that I can find about the problem (Access database, etc) and am now posting here for assistance. I need a solution for my area, also. I use RoboHelp version 8. We just recently moved to Windows 7.
Thank you,
Holly A.
PS - I apologize if this is the wrong forum. Nothing seemed to fit my question perfectly.