Over two years since the release of Acrobat 9, Adobe has delivered its Version 10 update, incorporating enhanced integration with SharePoint and a simplified user interface.

Known as Acobat X, the new edition offers guided Actions that simplify multi-step document preparation and publishing tasks previously accomplished in batch processing.

There are some significant improvements to the Redaction function in Acrobat X, such as Searching (and Replacing) codes; One click addition of codes (including multiple codes on a single item); and summarisation of redaction operation & their codes (also available in Reader X)

Adobe is also promising re-use of content across the enterprise is easier with higher quality export to Microsoft Word and Excel formats.

PDF Portfolios now include new layouts, visual themes and colour palettes.

The SharePoint integration provides for check-in and check-out of PDF files for reviewing and editing shared documents.

Adobe Reader has also had a refresh, with the X version adding commenting tools such as Sticky Notes and Highlighter tools and Protected Mode security capabilities.

Adobe SendNow is a new document exchange service at Acrobat.com that enables users to send and receive large files and track them with proof of receipt, avoiding email gateway issues, complicated FTP servers, or the costs of expensive overnight mail.

Bill Rue, chief information officer at HASSELL architectural design studios, said, “Using advanced Microsoft SharePoint functionality in Acrobat X, we can seamlessly integrate documents into our workflows, simplifying projects and helping to ensure we have the right people working on the right project, at the right moment.”

Robert Pek, IT Support Specialist at Parsons Brinckerhoff, one of the world’s leading planning, environment and infrastructure firms, has been part of the Acrobat X pre-release program and has been impressed with the new features of the product.

“The new action feature of Acrobat X will make our publishing a whole lot easier, with the new ability to set and deploy an automated script for use to achieve the same consistent standard across all documents published will be of great benefit. We will no longer need to worry about the published document once the actions have been rolled out. This will ensure that no matter who publishes the document for our clients, the same high quality and consistency is achieved through using the same set of pre-defined actions.”

Acrobat X will be available in 30 days with pricing expected to be as follows: Standard $A489/$A227 upgrade; Pro $A728/$A324 upgrade; and Acrobat X Suite $A2007/$A1333 upgrade (all prices inc. GST).