For display slaves and wired geeks - Adobe Acrobat Connect

Digitally coordinate and exchange ideas within the same time frame

[German version PDF]

Whenever collaborative working is not possible in a shared office, the Internet brings workers together with suitable applications. This does not only include the access to centrally stored data, but the targeted interaction of all participants working on one task. Usually it is the coordination and exchange of ideas, which take place digitally in the same time frame.

After the acquisition of Macromedia by Adobe, Acrobat 8 is now on offer. Flash-Technology has been introduced into the Adobe Acrobat family. First buds can timidly be recognized in the eight columns in the new toolbar of Adobe Acrobat 8

Since version 5, Adobe Acrobat masters the commenting in PDF documents. With versions 6 and 7 this was refined, made more suitable for teamwork, and safer for revision. With version 8, the partially complicated commenting and version workflows has been simplified. Without the earlier complicated E-Mail dispatch of comments, which later had to be brought together, comments can now be directly obtained and/or exchanged using a previously enabled network directory or a WebDav directory.

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If the first installation is somewhat choppy, the usefulness will become clear over time, while including more elements in the coordination process by commentating.

Now it is possible for a network of people to work with one application directly on one shared document. Changes and additions can almost be tracked live, which means that there is only a small delay from the server.

If the comments should prove themselves as insufficient, the direct connection will help. If it becomes obvious that an existing PDF file gets out of control while commentating, another function of Acrobat 8 will kick in - Acrobat Connect. With one click a multimedia web communication can take place.

Scenario The creator of the PDF document enables his screen for people from the coordination process. Via chat, audio or video, all involved parties can now virtually look over the creator?s shoulder, and they can work together on a solution, and get it just in time.

From this point on it doesnot have to be a PDF in an open application anymore. Simple screenshots can also be used and edited with basic Whiteboarding Tools, so they can serve as a basis of further elaboration for existing ideas.

How can one "connect" or how can a "non Acrobat 8 user" be integrated?
Since Adobe Acrobat 7, the option exists to enable the commenting function in the free version, the same is possible with Adobe Acrobat 8. Virtual communication however needs the Flash player. This extension is built into 90% of all common Internet browsers. So basically it is almost spread more than the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Adobe Acrobat Connect in detail
The virtual workspace consists of different so called ?Pods?. The primary features to mention are the shared desktop/screen, communication by chat, audio or video, and the availability of work material in form of files. The function of live coordination is the most exciting one, since in times of doubt, multiple-choice questions can be summed up and rated to find out which idea appeals to the majority of people.
In the course of 2007 there will be different services with fees available for Adobe Connect and for the professional version. For about $39 per month it will be possible to use certain functions (Pods) such as a meeting room for up to 15 participants, with screen sharing, chat, notes, whiteboarding, telephone conferencing and video.
The professional version will bring even more advantages such as recordable meetings, administration of users, central file storage, etc. for up to 2,500 users.

More information about Adobe Acrobat 8 and Acrobat Connect

lectorate Christiane Krüger