Adobe delivers high-end publishing solution

October 17, 2005 —

Adobe has announced a new server solution for large publishers, Adobe InDesign Server CS2.

The move ramps up the company's high-end publishing solutions in an industry space that's currently dominated by Quark solutions.

Built on the same code base as Adobe InDesign CS2, the solution lets system integrators and third party developers build automated, design-driven publishing solutions.

"Publishers are under constant pressure to produce personalized content in more places with fewer resources," said Mark Hilton, senior director of creative professional products at Adobe.

"What customers have had to compromise is typographical and design quality. With Adobe InDesign Server CS2, system integrators and developers can build automated publishing solutions that help customers save time, money, and resources without sacrificing visual quality."

Hardcore publishing heavyweight

InDesign Server CS2 shares the same code base as InDesign. It offers scripting using C++, or SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol). This provides a range of interfaces (from scripting to plug-ins to Web Services) for third parties to integrate InDesign Server CS2 into larger solutions.

It delivers output capabilities, built-in language support, scripting DOM (document object model), and a software development kit.

The system supports Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2003 Server, or Mac OS X Server, version 10.3.x and 10.4.x 'Tiger'.

Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of worldwide developer relations said: "We're delighted that our global publishing customers can take advantage of customized Adobe InDesign-based workflows and Apple innovation to accelerate the creative process and time to market."

Under development

A slew of companies have already begun developing solutions based on the software. These firms include: Cacidi; the Peter Schmidt Group; Sansui Software; SoftCare Software-Service, WoodWing Software and others.

It's likely bespoke solutions based on the solution will begin to appear next year.

Adobe InDesign Server CS2 will be available to qualified Adobe developer partners in Fall 2005, pricing available on request.

Macworld.co.uk