Flow - for workgroups.
A really common question I get about how Flow works is dealing with file servers, removable drives and working with multiple people. The question - does it work?
Yes. There is no server to install or setup. Flow runs on your workstation.
In the public beta (Feb 18), you will do this a little differently than in the final full release. Here’s how it works:
Flow Public Beta -
Versioning works across the network or different volumes. You have to enable it via a pref (or the wizard when you install) - but essentially it’s no different than on your workstation. Hit save on your favorite file - and Flow takes care of the rest. Other Flow users will see all the versions of that file no matter what type of share / volume it is on.
Packaging in the public beta is what we call “static”. When you package something - Flow will collect all the relationships, versions and other files that are part of the project. It will also include the map. Other users just import the map file from wherever you stored it - and they will see exactly the same thing that you saw on your workstation. If the other user makes changes - in the public beta - they just re-save the package. This way - everyone can see what went on and where - with any of the files in question.
In the final version -
Packaging takes on a whole new meaning - as every package will now be “live”. You create the package the same as above - but as soon as you do - ALL Flow desktops connected to the same volume will become “aware” that this project should be constantly tracked. If ANYONE changes, adds to, modifies etc anything contained within that package - ALL Flow desktops can see those changes - without doing anything.
There will be much more in terms of formal tutorials, content etc - but hope this helps answer some questions about wether Flow will work - “for the many”.
S.
Tags: Collaboration, Flow, Packaging, Server, Workgroup
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:34 am
[...] Gridiron Software » Flow - for workgroups. [...]
March 6th, 2009 at 5:32 am
Not clear to me…
is there a way to share map between users ?
One repository for all files and one map for all users… don’t want to import or so and don’t want to have locked map by others… uh ?
May 10th, 2009 at 7:52 am
I am currently examining a workflow in a printing company, where the creative department manually registers time, or registers time by the use of a manual start/stop function in an ERP system. Will Flow be a more valid source og registered time used on a job? Will flow be able to output this data in a format that ERP systems will be able to use? Will flow be able to register use of materials for things like prints for hardproofs or use of pictures that have copyrights and we therefore can bill to the customer?
June 9th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Flow indexing….so, would each workstation have to create its own index of a server volume? OR better, can it happen once and be shared…like a “central cache”? Please let me know.