Adobe Preview of Acrobat 3D Version 8

Adobe Unveils Preview of Acrobat 3D Version 8

Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced a public preview of Adobe® Acrobat® 3D Version 8 software, a major upgrade to the desktop application for driving PDF document-based 3D design collaboration and computer-aided design (CAD) data interoperability capabilities to virtually anyone across the extended enterprise. Starting immediately, users worldwide can download a beta version of the product free from Adobe Labs, and experience the new and enhanced capabilities it will deliver for professionals in the manufacturing and architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries. The preview can be downloaded at labs.adobe.com/technologies/acrobat3d_version8/ .

“Acrobat 3D and PDF have gained considerable traction in manufacturing and AEC over the past year as a means for driving 3D-based communication and collaboration processes leveraging a ubiquitous, trusted file format,” said Tom Hale, senior vice president, Knowledge Worker Business Unit at Adobe. “Today, we’re excited to provide users around the world free access to a beta of Acrobat 3D Version 8. We encourage anyone with interest in 3D to experience the dramatic advances we’ve made in terms of file compression, precision and CAD data interoperability. We look forward to hearing the thoughts and first-hand experiences of users throughout the preview period.”

With Acrobat 3D Version 8, design engineering, technical publishing and creative professionals in manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace and heavy machinery, as well as the AEC market, can convert virtually any 3D CAD file and other critical project data into a highly compressed PDF document with precise geometry. The PDF file can then be shared with colleagues, suppliers, partners, and customers for more secure visualization, collaboration and CAD data interoperability in an archival-quality format.

Once 3D models are in PDF, Acrobat 3D Version 8 users can enable extended teams to participate in an efficient document review process leveraging the free, ubiquitous Adobe Reader® software. Adobe Reader users can view detailed product structure and, when enabled by Acrobat 3D Version 8, have the ability to use commenting, measurement and cross-section tools directly on 3D objects in PDF files (1).

“It’s not often the manufacturing industry experiences a genuine change in its work processes,” said Gisela Wilson, director of IDC’s Product, Project and Portfolio Management Solutions service. “Based on the wide reach and acceptance of Adobe Reader, innovations in 3D PDF, and its CAD-neutral approach, Adobe has the potential to help change key collaboration processes in extended manufacturing enterprises with the latest version of Acrobat 3D.”

Acrobat 3D Version 8 will deliver enhanced capabilities for producing compressed PDF documents with precise geometry from large, complex CAD assemblies. The product supports conversion to 3D PDF from over 40 formats, including those for Autodesk Inventor, Dassault Systemes CATIA, PTC Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, and UGS NX and I-deas. The latest version also will enable users to distribute product manufacturing information—used to convey geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, annotations, and dimensions directly on a 3D model—in PDF. In addition, Acrobat 3D Version 8 users will have the option of exporting precise manufacturing CAD data from PDF into neutral file formats such as STEP, IGES and Parasolid for downstream processes such as machining operations and tool and mold design.

Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash® Player, the company’s cross-platform client technologies, are installed on over 700 million connected PCs and devices worldwide.

Pricing and Availability

The free, fully functional beta version of Acrobat 3D Version 8 is immediately available in English, French and German language versions at labs.adobe.com/technologies/acrobat3d_version8/ . The preview is available for Microsoft® Windows® 2000 with Service Pack 4, Windows XP Professional, Home or Tablet PC Editions with Service Pack 2, and Windows Vista™ Ultimate, Enterprise, Business, Home Premium, or Home Basic Editions. The beta version will cease operating on June 15, 2007. Feedback can be submitted and discussed on the Adobe Labs forum. Technical support is not available during the preview period.

Acrobat 3D Version 8 is expected to ship in spring 2007. The product is expected to be available for an estimated street price of US$995 (2). Registered users who purchase Acrobat 3D from Sept. 18, 2006 until the ship of Acrobat 3D Version 8 will be eligible to receive a free upgrade to Acrobat 3D Version 8 (3).

More information on Acrobat 3D Version 8 is available at www.adobe.com/go/acrobat3dv8