FileServer Workflow/InDesign Files

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FileServer Workflow/InDesign Files

I'm curious if you could help us with the following
question regarding a procedure/workflow with multiple
users/computers using multiple files on a G5 fileserver.

I had understood that due to certain problems over the network that we should be working locally on each single computer, and then replacing to the fileserver rather than 5 users (for example) working on 5 separate files over the network that are active on the fileserver.

SO the question is:

a) have multiple users working across the network on the fileserver--accessing separate checked-out files.

OR

b) have multiple users working locally on their computer and then replace it to the file server when it is done being modified.

Please reply, as I called Tech Support for Apple's official documentation on how Apple recommends a small business use a file server and she could not find any documentation in Apple's knowledge base.

Many thanks!

Ondine
ondine.kilker@mac.com
okilker@yahoo.com

G5 dual 2.5ghz Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Apr 13, 2006 5:24 PM

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Answer 1

May 24, 2006 10:17 AM in response to okilker

Just saw your post when I was looking for something else.

We have about 30 designers and copywriters. Our workflow is to have users check out files and copy them to their computers while working on them. The checkout system is very simple. When a user checks out the file, they put their initials on the end of the file name and remove them when they check the file back in. The system polices itself. If anyone forgets to put their initials on a checked-out file and someone else properly checks out the file, the offender must redo any changes to the file after its checked back in. It only takes one or two mistakes for a user to remember to use the policy.

In the rare event that a file gets corrupted while the user is working on it on their computer, they can always get a fresh copy from the server without the administrator having to retrieve the file from backup.

This policy does not really help with network speeds, but we've been using it for 15 years and it works quite well.

Hope this helps.

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