Adobe LiveCyle Update Unites Flash, Acrobat

Adobe Systems today announced a suite of software to help enterprises build process-oriented applications with a focus on delivering front-ends based on Adobe Flex, PDF and Flash technologies.

While many enterprise vendors emphasize back-end integration, Adobe--true to its roots--places its application focus clearly on the user experience. The vendor said its new LiveCycle Enterprise Suite integrates the development capabilities of its Flex and PDF technologies to deliver applications to desktop environments, including Adobe Flash and Reader.

While Adobe (and former Flash owner Macromedia) are most often associated with enabling public Web sites, the focus of LiveCycle ES is on process-oriented customer apps such as account enrollment, claims process or guided self-service, Adobe said. The product includes wizard-based Form Guides and Flash-based graphics to simplify user interface development. LiveCycle ES also offers rights management, document certification, and digital signatures capabilities to ease document management.Beginning in July, Adobe LiveCycle ES is available in two editions, LiveCycle ES Business Transformation Edition and LiveCycle ES Data Capture Edition. The LiveCycle Data Capture Edition (base) includes Forms, Data Services, Barcoded Forms, and Reader Extensions solution components. The LiveCycle Business Transformation Edition includes: Data Capture Edition, Process Management, Digital Signatures, Rights management, and Output.