Adobe Serves Up Dynamic Imaging With Adobe AlterCast.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 2001

Adobe's Dynamic Image Server Delivers Automated Graphics Production

and Strong Integration with Leading eBusiness Solutions

Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE), the leader in Network Publishing, today introduced Adobe(R) AlterCast(TM), a new dynamic imaging server software. AlterCast allows Web publishers to automatically generate and repurpose images and graphics within existing content management and e-commerce solutions, enabling the efficient creation of visually rich Web sites. AlterCast is built on award-winning Adobe Photoshop(R) and Adobe Illustrator(R) technology, while also supporting industry-standard image file formats.

Today's eBusinesses employ workflows that can customize textual information and keep online and published content up to date. However, images and graphics have lagged behind in this process, with production teams manually handling tasks such as resizing, reformatting, and repurposing print images for the Web. AlterCast automates the process of managing large image libraries, enabling companies to save time and money in production, while freeing designers to concentrate on creating more effective Web sites and improving visual communication.

"All companies with high-volume, image-rich environments have essentially the same challenge," said Christian Pease, director of partner channel sales at Burntsand, a solutions integrator for Global 2000 companies. "In the world of Network Publishing, they need to reuse images on the website, newspaper ads, or collateral distributed to customers. With AlterCast, skilled graphics artists can spend their time on high-value activities like creating templates instead of reformatting or resizing. By giving clients the ability to repurpose their images, we can offer an attractive value proposition in terms of time to market, value and cost."

"Adobe AlterCast is unique in that it can handle image source files in their highest-quality versions, enabling our designers to repurpose images as needed while still maintaining the image's richness and complexity," said Kevin Peoples, eBusiness manager with Salomon North America. "For a brand-focused company like Salomon North America, that's key."

Designers often use graphics to create visually compelling text that includes styles, drop shadows and multiple fonts. The process for updating text in graphics is extremely time-consuming and costly. With AlterCast, graphics professionals will be able to replace text within graphics on the fly while still maintaining support for transparency, animation and layer effects.

AlterCast automatically optimizes files for delivery on any Web-enabled device, including PDAs and cell phones. By using a single image source file to generate multiple iterations, AlterCast helps reduce data storage requirements. It also helps designers generate customized graphics for more effective merchandising on ASP- and JSP-driven Web sites, which translates into more personalized browsing experiences for Web users.

By supporting open standards and APIs, AlterCast software integrates into existing Web or print publishing workflows, such as industry-standard databases, leading content and asset management systems. In support of its integration efforts, Adobe announced agreements with Documentum and Interwoven in separate releases today.

Pricing and Availability

Adobe AlterCast is expected to ship at the beginning of 2002 in North America only. AlterCast will be priced on a per-CPU basis, with processor packs ranging from an estimated street price of US$7,500 for a one-CPU system to an estimated street price of US$60,000 for high-performance enterprise applications. For more information visit www.adobe.com/altercast.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Founded in 1982, Adobe Systems Incorporated (www.adobe.com) builds award-winning software solutions for Network Publishing, including Web, ePaper, 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, Adobe is the second-largest PC software company in the U.S., with annual revenues exceeding $1.2 billion.

Note to Editors: Adobe, the Adobe logo, AlterCast, Illustrator and Photoshop are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.