Adobe Systems

SAN JOSE, CA—Adobe quietly announced on August 8 that it was removing the “Send to FedEx Kinko’s” menu option from its Reader and Acrobat applications. The FedEx Kinko’s function will be omitted from the Reader and Acrobat versions that are to be released in October. Adobe cited time needed to write and test the version 8.1.1 software, thus the delay in the updated release. The decision came following a discovery meeting held by Adobe, in which analysts and users condemned the decision to partner with FedEx Kinko’s at the expense of many longtime Adobe customers. Several printing organizations, including PIA/GATF and NAPL, publicly denounced what they

Baum Going Strong at 90 SIDNEY, OH—Baumfolder Corp. is marking its 90th anniversary, having begun operations here in 1917. The company started out as a maker of floor-model paper folders, but has diversified into manufacturing and/or distributing a wide range of products, including tabletop folders, paper drills and paper cutters. Printers Get a Second Look At Lenticular, Courtesy KBA WILLISTON, VT—KBA North America recently held a second seminar on lenticular printing and prepress work at its headquarters here. This special printing technique gives the impression of 3D, flip or motion effects by printing an image on the back side of lenticular plastic. The four-day seminar featured a

SAN JOSE, CA—Adobe quietly announced Wednesday that it was removing the “Send to FedEx Kinko’s” menu option from its Reader and Acrobat applications. The FedEx Kinko’s function will be omitted from the Reader and Acrobat versions that are to be released in October. Adobe cited time needed to write and test the version 8.1 software, thus the delay in the updated release. The decision came following a discovery meeting held by Adobe, in which analysts and users condemned the decision to partner with FedEx Kinko’s at the expense of many longtime Adobe customers. Many printing organizations, including PIA/GATF and NAPL, publicly denounced what it viewed as

PARAMUS, NJ—AUGUST 2, 2007—Following yesterday’s announcement by Adobe Systems, Inc., that the company will remove the “Send to FedEx Kinko’s” service and functionality from its Adobe® Reader and Adobe Acrobat® software, NAPL (www.napl.org), the trade association for excellence in graphic communications management, the National Association of Quick Printers (NAQP), part of The NAPL Network, and the Graphic Communications Coalition for Open Competition, voiced its approval of Adobe’s decision. Adobe plans to issue an update to Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat that will not feature the FedEx Kinko’s link sometime in October of this year. “We’re delighted that Adobe has responded so promptly and

ONE MIGHT well have thought the dangerous wildfires that ravaged parts of California and other Western states this summer also engulfed Adobe Systems’ headquarters in San Jose. They did not. But Adobe CEO Bruce Chizen should have donned his fire protection gear anyway, especially after landing in the hot seat following his software company’s June 6 pact with FedEx Kinko’s. The two companies collaborated to incorporate a “send to FedEx Kinko’s” button within Adobe Reader 8.1 and Adobe Acrobat 8.1 software—making it appear to many in the industry that Adobe is endorsing one print provider. The move has incensed independent and franchise commercial and

SAN JOSE, CA—Adobe will remove the “Send to FedEx Kinko’s” service and functionality, currently available to US customers in Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat. The versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat that are scheduled to be released in October will not contain the feature. We are implementing these changes as quickly as we can. However, we need time to write and test the software. Adobe Reader and Acrobat are critical pieces of software for tens of millions of customers and we have to be sure the software we deliver is up to its usual quality. Adobe originally announced the FedEx Kinko’s features on June

PITTSBURGH—August 1, 2007—PIA/GATF is delighted with the announcement by Adobe that it will remove its sole source print solution button within Acrobat Reader 8.1 which directed customers to FedEx Kinko’s. “We recognize that the company must have had to move mountains to retreat on its position, and we commend Adobe for its swift action,” notes PIA/GATF President and CEO Michael Makin. “They have clearly restored confidence in our long-lasting partnership.” Adobe software engineers are fast at work producing Acrobat Reader 8.1.1 which they hope to have on the market within 8–10 weeks in October. This is lightening speed in terms of software releases. Once this new

SAN JOSE, CA—Printing associations and a digital user’s group reacted angrily toward Adobe’s decision to incorporate a “send to FedEx Kinko’s” command in its Acrobat 8.1 application. In turn, Adobe recently met with several organizations to address their concerns. The PIA/GATF, noting Adobe’s contributions in transforming the printing process from an analog to a digital workflow—enhancing graphic communications, while putting millions of bucks in Adobe’s coffers—said the move “insults industry loyalty.” Michael Makin, president and CEO of PIA/GATF, added that the Adobe partnership left the association feeling “terribly betrayed by the company that has been supported by the printing industry.” Makin found it “unacceptable” that

PARAMUS, NJ—JULY 24, 2007—In a July 20, 2007, letter to Adobe Systems, Inc. CEO Bruce Chizen, Joseph P. Truncale, president and chief executive officer of NAPL (www.napl.org), the trade association for excellence in graphic communications management, and Steve Johnson, president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Quick Printers (NAQP), stated that their position regarding the Adobe/FedEx Kinko’s agreement remains as follows: Adobe should extricate itself from the agreement and remove the FedEx Kinko’s logo and embedded link from Adobe software in a timely manner. The letter followed a July 17, 2007, Print Advisory Forum held in San Francisco, CA, and

SAN FRANCISCO—Users of Adobe Acrobat and Reader can circle August 1 on their calendars. That’s the date Adobe said it would announce a resolution to the ill will produced by the “send to FedEx Kinko’s” command included in its 8.1 software applications. Adobe hosted a Print Industry Advisory Forum here and online Tuesday, gathering leading industry executives and the media to collect information it would use to determine what measures would appease its many users. Three primary recommendations were discussed at the forum: • Re-evaluate the implementation of the FedEx Kinko’s service in Adobe Acrobat and Reader. • Explore options of making print