Adobe has launched version 2.0 of both its Acrobat eBook Reader and the Adobe Content Server, designed to help the publishing industry create and sell eBooks.
Targeted at online book publishers, retailers or distributors, the Adobe Content Server secures and sells Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF)-based eBooks. Software features of the Adobe Content Server enable packaging, protection, distribution and sale of the eBooks.
The eBook Reader is the client`s interface to the new form of publishing, and is aimed at the consumer.
Both products result from the company`s recent acquisition of Glassbook.
"While electronic novels are getting the most visibility today, Adobe`s vision for eBooks is about giving consumers in content-heavy environments - such as education - a rich reading experience, along with the ability to print their content," says Michael Looney, senior director of eBooks, Adobe.
"With the launch of these products, Adobe is delivering on this vision with an eBook reading experience that most closely mirrors what`s expected in a printed book, including colourful pictures, complex graphics and rich fonts."
The company says many publishers already use Adobe`s software in their current workflow, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, InDesign and FrameMaker. Adobe hopes the publishers will leverage existing Adobe PDF files created for print purposes, and use the Content Server to secure and prepare the books for online distribution and purchase.
"The large numbers of publishers who already have their content archived in Adobe PDF are ready to take advantage of the growing eBooks market. By leveraging their Adobe PDF-based files, the Adobe Content Server immediately enables their eBook environment without high conversion or integration costs," Looney adds.
Acrobat eBook Reader 2.0 is available for free from the Adobe`s Web site at www.adobe.com/products/ebookreader/main.html or the Barnes and Noble.com Web site at www.bn.com. The product is available in English for both the Windows and Macintosh platforms.
The Adobe Content Server 2.0 will be available in English for the Windows platform. More information can be found at http://ebooks.adobe.com/.
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