The new version offers numerous enhancements, including tighter Web integration, support for industry standard protocols like Open DataBase Connectivity (ODBC) that connect Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) forms with back-end databases, and easier data exchange in Adobe PDF files through support for the eXtensible Markup Language (XML).

"In order to succeed in today's networked environment, where business moves at Web speed, companies must be agile and able to meet pressing deadlines," said Elizabeth Sun, Senior Program Director, Electronic Business Strategies, META Group, Inc. "Products like Acrobat 5.0 and technologies like Adobe PDF are crucial because they enable corporations to streamline their business processes using the Web, both internally and across their extended enterprise of customers and partners."

Early Acrobat 5.0 customers are equally impressed with the benefits of the new version, including more powerful functionality within the Web browser.

"The enhanced Web-based functionality in Acrobat 5.0 that lets users simultaneously review and share comments online enables our staff to comment efficiently on draft documents and arrive at a consensus more quickly," said Carolyne Gibson, learning products manager, Agilent Technologies. "Since we view Acrobat as an enterprise solution—something most of our employees rely on in one form or another to work more efficiently—the ability to share and view materials reliably is critical."

Pricing and Availability

Acrobat 5.0 software for Windows 95 OSR 2.0, Windows 98, Windows NT® 4.0 with service pack 5 or 6, Windows ME and Windows 2000, and Macintosh OS 8.6 (all Web-based capabilities are not available due to Apple OS limitations), 9.0.4 and 9.1, is available immediately in the United States and Canada for an estimated street price of US$249. Registered users of earlier Acrobat software versions can upgrade to Acrobat 5.0 for US$99. French, German and Japanese versions of Acrobat 5.0 are expected to be available in the second calendar quarter of 2001. Information about other language versions, as well as pricing, upgrade and support policies, is available online at www.adobe.com. For more information, customers can call 1-800-272-3623 or visit www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Founded in 1982, Adobe Systems Incorporated (www.adobe.com) builds award-winning software solutions for Network Publishing, including Web, print, video, wireless and broadband applications. Its graphic design, imaging, dynamic media and authoring tools enable customers to create, manage and deliver visually-rich, reliable content. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Adobe is the second-largest PC software company in the U.S., with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion.