SAN JOSE, Calif.--Oct. 30, 2001--Adobe Systems Incorporated today announced Adobe PDF Transit(TM), a software developer kit (SDK) that enables print shops to offer an Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF)-based service for customers to submit and manage print jobs. Targeted at companies that build printing workflow solutions, PDF Transit seeks to improve the problematic process of submitting, approving and printing documents for print service providers and in-plant corporate printing centers. Adobe PDF Transit demonstrates the reality of Adobe's network publishing vision by enabling customers to deliver content anytime, anyplace, from any device. Through an Adobe PDF-based process, print shop customers have a quick and reliable way to submit "print-ready'' files to their printers. AlphaGraphics and IKON Office Solutions are among the first companies to integrate PDF Transit technology into their printing products and services. By incorporating PDF Transit, print providers can offer streamlined, reliable Adobe PDF and Job Definition Format (JDF)- based workflows that begin at their customer's desktops and extend across the Internet to the final output printing device. The benefit for print shop customers is in the ability to create a file, preview the job and upload the secured PDF file for reliable printing to any location -- all from the desktop. "Adobe PDF Transit will let print customers access the services of a remote print shop from within any desktop application. This removes a fundamental barrier and opens up new market opportunities,'' said Jim Hamilton, associate director, On Demand Printing & Publishing Consulting Service, CAP Ventures. "Professional users know the value of creating reliable and secure print-ready files in Adobe PDF. Now this capability will be available to a much wider range of users through an easy-to-use interface. Both print customers and print service providers will have much to gain from this development.'' "The process of working with printers and publishers used to be time consuming, error prone and costly because jobs had to be physically delivered to the printer for output and proofed in real time before final production,'' said George Cacioppo, vice president of the Internet Printing Group at Adobe. "PDF Transit gives print providers the tools to redefine this process and reduce costs for their customers and themselves.'' When PDF Transit is integrated into a print service solution, customers can use the "Print'' command from within any application to select a 'printing service' from within their print dialog box. When the user selects "OK'', a print-ready PDF is created for their review, and a browser automatically connects them directly to their printer's web server. Additional information can be obtained about the job, such as finishing and billing options, depending on implementation and the services offered by the print shop or ASP.