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Goalie35

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Word to PDF converter??

I'm not really sure what category would be the best place to post this topic so I'll post it here.

I'm looking for an application that automatically converts ms word documents into pdf's on the server.

I've found one application that can do exactly what I'm looking for called "express server"(http://www.adlibsoftware.com/SoftwareProducts-Express-ServerEdition.html) but it's about $3,000 which is a little more than what I was hoping to pay.

Does anyone know of a cheaper solution that can handle what I need?

Thanks in advance.

-Goalie35
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InteractiveMind
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rdp1228

Pdf995 (http://www.pdf995.com/) can put a pdf file from an MS Word document, or anything that you can print, onto a server or to any folder you wish.  The cost is very nominal and even has a free use but when used it loads two pages from their website for advertising.  Hope this is helpful.
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Thanks for the suggestions so far but unfortunately, we need this application to be automatic.  

What we're ultimately looking to do is upload an MS Word document into a folder on our server.

Now that the word document is in our server folder, it would be converted into a PDF document which as we see it, can be accomplished in one of 2 ways.  

One, either the application is running 24/7 on the backend and whenever it notices a new word document being dropped into the folder, it converts it.  Or two, we upload the document and after right after we do this, we use asp code to turn on this application and convert the document.  

So this document should never have to be opened by the client during the conversion process or sent to the printer in order for it to convert.

It needs to automatically convert the documents on the back end.

Thanks again.

-Goalie35
Here's something I've found in the OpenOffice forum that might work for you.

http://www.oooforum.org/forum/viewtopic.phtml?t=3772

I haven't tried it but it seems to describe what you're looking for. OpenOffice, if you're not familiar with it, is an open-source office suite that is compatible with Microsoft Office documents. Not all Word features (ie. macros) are supported by OpenOffice but it does support most common features.
Hi Goalie35.

I have a question for you...
Why is it necessary to put the Word documents on the server?
Why not just create the .PDF version from Word using a tool like PDF995 or one of the others mentioned above and put that .PDF file on the server?

Cheers :-)
Hi Goalie35,

Adlib Software has updated its website after the release of the latest version of its <a href="http://www.adlibsoftware.com/word_pdf.aspx">Word to PDF Converter</a>.

As far as the cost goes, $3,000 may seem expensive but I don't think you will find any cheaper if you are looking for a server-based document conversion solution. Besides the obvious advantages, converting documents through a server-side application also mean that it is not necessary for an IT team to manage and install desktop software on each user computer.