Adobe has expanded its collaborative reach with Acrobat 8 and Adobe Acrobat Connect, which allow its PDF and Web conferencing platforms to be shared across multiple systems and applications in real time with the use of other Adobe software.Adobe Systems announced in a statement Nov. 2 the release of its latest collaborative software, Acrobat 8 for PDF files and forms, and Acrobat Connect, a hosted Web conferencing program.
Acrobat 8 will allow users to interact with information contained in PDF documents and forms while also letting users complete their work by giving them access to the Adobe Reader software.
For business users, Acrobat 8 provides features relevant to an array of areas such as architecture, engineering and construction, IT, legal, marketing, manufacturing, and publishing, advancing Acrobat's use beyond simple PDF creation.
Click here for a look at the beta version of Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional.
"With advances in Acrobat 8, many design and construction documents can now be combined into a single, more secure PDF package and [be] delivered in seconds nationwide to project teams that can review, comment on and digitally sign materials simply using Adobe Reader," Adobe said in a news release Nov. 2.
Adobe also announced the availability of a free trial of its Acrobat Connect hosted service, a Web conferencing program that will give businesses personal meeting rooms.
Adobe Connect will allow workers to collaborate in real time online by using a Web browser and the Adobe Flash Player software.
Acrobat 8 is available for an estimated retail price of $449, though registered users of qualifying earlier versions of Acrobat can upgrade to Acrobat 8 for an estimated price of $159, while Acrobat Connect is immediately available as a free trial through the end of 2006, at which time, the commercial release of the product will be available for a subscription price of $39 per month starting in January of 2007.
Document Management 
