Adobe releases Connect 8 Web

By siliconindia   |   Tuesday, 02 November 2010, 17:36 IST
Printer Print Email Email
Bangalore: Adobe released its Connect 8, a Web conferencing tool that supports videoconferencing on desktops, in conference rooms and in most mobile devices primarily by making it easier to set up and use. The release, Connect 8, is based on the company's Flash Player software. Adobe officials said that the update, the first since version 7.5 came out a year ago, includes an improved user interface. It also can cut down on technical worries with set-up and customization that seem inherent with many Web and videoconferencing systems. Connect is designed for wide compatibility and integrates with several major learning management systems, including Moodle, Blackboard Academic Suite/VIsta/Learn, Angel LMS, and Sakai. Version 8 has gained several enhancements over the previous generation, including completely overhauled accessibility features, with access to all interface elements via keyboard commands (including several hot keys for commonly accessed features), as well as compatibility with JAWS and Window?Eyes. It also offers a streamlined UI and an optional desktop client Arun Anantharaman, Vice President and General Manager of Adobe Connect said in a statement "Adobe Connect 8 is a transformative release. It enables organizations to standardize on a single Web conferencing platform to support a variety of use cases. Presenters can completely tailor their meeting environments prior to and during meetings, thereby dramatically improving collaboration. In addition, the product is highly extensible, enabling organizations to leverage third-party pods, as well as integrate with existing systems." Connect 8 also allows users to download sessions for offline viewing in a feature based on Adobe AIR, which also permits users to establish and manage meetings from their desktops. There are a number of Connect competitors. However, most require some sort of client or plug-in software. Connect only requires Flash which may not be without its problems or detractors but is installed on 97 percent of the computers online worldwide today.