Adobe has announced Technical Communication Suite 2.5. The tightly-integrated toolbox leverages new features and functionality of Adobe Captivate 5 and Photoshop CS5 enabling technical communicators to author, review, manage and publish dynamic user manuals, knowledge bases, documentation and help systems:
Technical Communication Suite 2.5 now offers:
· Increased collaboration via Acrobat.com – extends well-received collaborative review capabilities previously available in FrameMaker; similar functionality is now enabled in Captivate
o Cycles become streamlined as reviewers can easily provide feedback using a free Adobe AIR application
o Those tasked with developing simulations for eLearning content can track results using the free services of Acrobat.com; no need for a dedicated learning management system
· Optimized user interface – Captivate’s new UI is similar to FrameMaker’s; users are able to work between the applications and benefit from a consistent look and feel
o Increases productivity, reduces steps
o Property Inspector, multiple document interface and personalized workspaces improve authoring experience
· Master Slides and Object Styles – Captivate’s functionality is now similar to FrameMaker and RoboHelp‘s master pages and templates, offering cohesive experience within the suite
· Rich animation effects – built-in effects allow authors to easily create dynamic content without the need to know Flash
· Rich media integration – inclusion of Photoshop CS5 lets technical communicators create engaging experiences
o “Content-aware fill” feature allows easy and quick enhancement of images for inclusion in documentation
Adobe Technical Communication Suite 2.5 is expected to be available this month – upgrade pricing paths for both existing Suite users and those of included point products are available. For more information: www.adobe.com/products/technicalcommunicationsuite.