Macromedia has launched Macromedia Dreamweaver 8, the latest release of its professional Web design and development tool. Dreamweaver 8 is available as a standalone product or as a component of the Macromedia Studio 8 online development suite.
According to Jeremy Matthews, MD of local Web enablement specialist and Macromedia distributor, Dax Data, Dreamweaver 8 provides a powerful combination of visual layout tools, application development features and code editing support, enabling designers and developers to create visually appealing, standards-based sites and applications efficiently.
"The advances in Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 are the direct result of listening to customers around the world and then building a host of practical features to fit their needs," adds David Mendels, general manager, Macromedia.
"Dreamweaver 8 not only delivers tools and workflow improvements that help make users more efficient, it also supports the Web`s best practices and is more closely integrated with the Studio 8 family and the latest technologies."
Dreamweaver 8 makes the best practices of Web development available to everyone, from users working on their first Web site to those developing advanced Web applications with Extensible Markup Language (XML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).
New visual tools in Dreamweaver 8 simplify the integration of XML-based content like RSS feeds into Web sites and applications using a drag-and-drop workflow. Other advancements include improved code hinting for XML and Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations (XSLT).
"Dreamweaver 8 also greatly simplifies working with CSS," says Matthews. "The new unified CSS panel provides an easier way to understand a CSS file and how the cascade of styles applies to content. This panel provides a powerful, visual way to manage and edit CSS, reducing the need to resort to code-based trial and error.
"CSS layout visualisation allows users to see complex CSS-based layouts more clearly on Dreamweaver`s design surface. These tools make CSS more approachable to new users while offering greater precision and control for advanced users."
Dreamweaver 8 offers optimised workflows that reduce the time required by users to complete common tasks. The new zoom and guides tools in Dreamweaver 8 allow users to inspect images and get control over complex designs at the pixel level and to easily measure distances between objects in design compositions.
"Dreamweaver 8 speeds the development process even further with a new code collapse tool to focus on specific code and a new coding toolbar to easily access common coding functions," says Matthews. "Users will enjoy increased freedom and productivity to continue working as they perform background transfer and upload functions using the new background file transfer feature."
With Dreamweaver 8, users can easily integrate Flash Video into a Web site with a simple five-click process. In addition, Dreamweaver 8 offers new support for the latest technologies, such as Macromedia ColdFusion MX 7 and PHP 5, as well as deeper integration with the Macromedia Web Publishing System.
"Dreamweaver 8 incorporates a wealth of best practices and examples into a rich set of Web design tools. By adding the knowledge base to the workflow, CSS, and video tools, Macromedia helps guide developers toward good design," says Susan Feldman, vice-president, Content Technologies, IDC.
"New XML integration tools, easy-to-use CSS features, and the fast ability to incorporate video into any Web site make this an effective solution for building dynamic and engaging Web experiences."
To learn more about Dreamweaver 8, please visit http://www.daxdata.co.za/htm/dreamweaver8.htm.
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Dax Data is a value-added software distributor and product marketing organisation, focusing on Web technology and host connectivity. With offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg, it holds a variety of distribution and remarketing agreements for local markets, including:
* Macromedia - Web design and development tools and servers
* NetManage - RUMBA and OnWeb Web enablement and host connectivity
* Graphon - Thin client solutions
* DataMirror - Enterprise connectivity, data availability and disaster recovery with replication products
* Logitech - Webcams and desktop peripherals
Historically, Dax Data has assisted companies with delivery of mainframe-based information to open systems platforms such as PCs and LANs - primarily by means of the NetManage suite of products such as RUMBA, which it has distributed since 1992.
Developments in recent years have seen the company expand its range of Web technologies; its distribution agreement with Macromedia becoming a mainstay. Dax Data works with a number of resellers, consulting and training partners to ensure the successful delivery of customer solutions.
Driven by customer demand, Dax Data has transitioned strongly into the Web development market, offering a set of value-added services that include presales evaluation programmes, first line technical support, consultancy and training. Dax Data enjoys various industry accreditations and is recognised as a Microsoft Certified Partner, IBM Business Partner and Sun iForce Partner.
Macromedia
Experience matters. Macromedia is motivated by the belief that great experiences build great businesses. Our software empowers millions of business users, developers and designers to create and deliver effective, compelling and memorable experiences - on the Internet, on fixed media, on wireless, and on digital devices.
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