Adobe 2002 Annual Report Download - page 41

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For example, governments can use this server solution to create on-line forms that constituents can fill out and
digitally sign in Acrobat Reader; or financial institutions can create electronic forms that are integrated with their
back-end systems to provide personalized on-line applications. In both examples, users can fill out such forms in the
free Acrobat Reader, which later can be directly integrated with their processing systems, so that manual re-keying
of data is not necessary. The cost-saving advantages with such a solution for publishers of documents such as tax
forms and on-line applications are significant.
Document Process Management
Enterprises have invested significantly in their infrastructure over the last ten years, resulting in the deployment
of complex business systems such as CRM, ERP, and Document Content Management (“DCM”). Yet many of these
back-end systems are not fully connected with each other, or with how business users work with documents on their
desktops on a daily basis. This disconnected workflow has created a market opportunity called Document Process
Management, and we have created solutions that enable customers to integrate how they use electronic documents
with their internal and external business processes.
With our solutions for Document Process Management, an enterprise’s customers, employees, and partners can
submit information through intelligent, secure electronic forms via their preferred computer platform or device. The
captured information triggers rules-and roles-based workflow, automatically integrating data into core business
systems such as CRM, ERP, and DCM. For example, an employee could enter data on-line into an expense report
that is submitted electronically; the data could then be automatically integrated into the Company’s accounting
system. Process tracking and reporting capabilities offer business managers insight into the status of their
workflows, and allow them ways to further streamline their processes for better business performance.
Customers using Adobe’s Document Process Management solutions can reduce costs and improve
responsiveness by eliminating inefficient manual, paper-based processes. They can extend the reach of their
business processes to customers, partners, and mobile workers with self-service applications via multiple devices.
The end result is often an increase in an enterprise’s return on investment made on their back-office solutions.
Adobe’s Document Process Management solutions involve several components of its ePaper software,
including Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Acrobat on the desktop, and Adobe Document Server for Reader
Extensions on the server. In addition, Adobe provides Adobe Form Client, Adobe Form Server and Adobe
Workflow Server to complete its solution offering. Based on XML standards, Adobe Form Client is a data capture
product that deploys electronic forms to a wide variety of environments such as the Web, Microsoft Outlook, and
Microsoft Office. Adobe Form Server enables governments and corporations to post and manage their forms on-line,
and Adobe Workflow Server provides the ability to graphically design, implement, and monitor workflows for
document processing.
ePaper Products
Adobe Acrobat—software that allows users to publish and distribute business documents using corporate
e-mail and intranets, the Internet, or CD-ROM; enables users to easily convert files from almost any application to
Adobe PDF, a compact cross-platform electronic format that generally preserves layout, fonts, colors, and images;
helps users complete timely and efficient document review and approval processes; includes everything needed to
create and distribute rich electronic documents that can be viewed easily within leading Web browsers.
Adobe Acrobat Approval—software that enables business workgroup users to quickly fill in, save, and approve
electronic forms, marketing materials, and other documents that have been created as interactive PDF files.
Adobe Acrobat Capture—enables conversion of legacy paper-based documents into indexable, searchable,
platform-independent electronic PDF files for archiving and distribution purposes.
Adobe Acrobat Distiller Server—server-based software that provides workgroups with a centralized solution
for converting PostScript files to Adobe PDF; gives IT and creative professionals the power of increased
productivity and the assurance of consistent, high-quality output.