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Adobe Systems Inc. on Monday offered its PageMaker users a migration path to its newer layout and design application, InDesign CS, by incorporating PageMaker features into a new release of the software.
The San Jose, Calif., company launched Adobe InDesign CS PageMaker Edition, which includes both a full version of InDesign CS and a PageMaker Plug-In Pack for adding PageMaker capabilities. It is expected to be available during the first quarter of this year.
Adobe last updated PageMaker in June 2001 with Version 7.0, which is particularly significant for Apple Computer Inc. users, since the release predated Version 10.2 of Apples Mac OS X (a k a “Jaguar”). An Adobe spokeswoman said that the company has no plans for another major release of PageMaker.
Adobe released InDesign CS in October as its flagship layout and design software package. It supports the latest Mac OS X, named Panther, and PageMaker workflows.
“InDesigns modern code-base provides the best long-term solution for PageMaker customers who are looking to take advantage of the latest advances in hardware design and operating system innovation,” Jim Heeger, an Adobe senior vice president of Creative Professional Products, said in a statement.
The PageMaker Plug-In Pack extends conversion support for PageMaker 6.0 documents, PageMaker 6.5-7.x files and QuarkXPress 3.3-4.x files into InDesign CS. The special InDesign CS release also is including more than 80 design templates and training materials for PageMaker users.
Adobe InDesign CS PageMaker Edition, which will be available for both the Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows, is slated to cost $349 for users who own any version of Adobe PageMaker. The PageMaker Plug-In Pack also will be available as a separate download for $49.
In the spring, Adobe also plans to include the PageMaker Plug-In Pack in its Adobe Creative Suite, a bundle of its illustration, publishing and Web site applications announced in September.