NOTE: Previous Weblogs will be archived at the end of each week, and start fresh here.

MONDAY

Serving Acrobat Elements: Following "an extensive pilot program" in the U.S., Adobe today announced the latest Acrobat 6 family sibling in the form of Acrobat Elements Server, which is due to begin shipping November 26. Adobe hopes the new server version will facilitate more organizations to standardize on PDF.

Adobe's Marty Krasilczuk explained the "Key Take Aways" of Acrobat Elements Server as:

• Enabling reliable document generation and distribution enterprise-wide

• Providing IT professionals with server-based Adobe PDF creation product

• Offering native file format to Adobe PDF creation

• Being Web services-enabled for integration into existing document processing solutions by enterprise or ISVs

Like the desktop version of Acrobat Elements, the forthcoming server product [PDF: 50kb] is currently aimed at large volume users. The current pricing model provides two options: server-based ($22,500 per server) or user-based ($28 per user, 100 user minimum). The latter is similar to the volume requirement for the desktop version of Acrobat Elements, which has been a sorepoint for some users who believe Adobe is ignoring the needs of small- and mid-sized organizations. Today's announcement has already triggered a similar reaction in the PDF-Talkback section of the Planet PDF Forum:

"... why has [Adobe] brought out yet another Acrobat product (Acrobat Elements Server) with a 1000 seat minimum when numerous PDFxperts have clearly stated that this is too high an entry level?"

In our sneak preview of the Elements Server product last week, we had inquired about the pricing model, noting the concerns expressed by some users regarding the volume requirements. Adobe suggested during our discussion that prospective customers "might look for changes," adding that the company continually assesses customer reception while "always looking for the right recipe."

It never hurts to be hopeful, but don't count on a stocking stuffer by year's end.

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TUESDAY

Reseller partners seek Adobe clarification: In an article published yesterday titled "Adobe slammed by resellers for poor partner programme," ComputerWeekly.com explains that frustrated resellers are asking Adobe to "clarify its channel strategy in light of dwindling marketing funds and blurred direct and channel sales boundaries." According to the article:

"Irate partners said Adobe had left them out in the cold as relationships with the vendor wavered, citing an unstructured partner programme with no substantial training and a lack of co-marketing funds and support as the main frustration."

ComputerWeekly quotes an Adobe spokesperson as rebuffing the allegations, saying "We have not made any changes to our partner programme."

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WEDNESDAY

Prohibited and Permitted Aircraft Items: With the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel season in the U.S. next week, the Air Transport Association (ATA) is offering passengers an assortment of tips, including a pointer to a government document detailing what can and can't be taken onboard an airline due to security restrictions.

The "Ten Smart Travel Tips from the Air Transport Association" include:

1. Allow an extra hour to get through airport parking, check-in and government screening

2. Travel smart by using airline Web sites or use airport kiosks to check-in and print your own boarding passes

3. Consider a single carry-on travel bag, particularly parents with young kids, with extra food, medicine and toys

4. Be prepared to show a government I.D. and a printed boarding pass at government security check-points

5. Be aware that jokes regarding security issues are no laughing matter and will be taken seriously by screeners

6. Pack smart, leaving all gifts unwrapped. Leave prohibited items at home. Screeners will search all bags

7. Tag all your bags with your name, phone and address -- both outside and inside your luggage

8. Place your medicine, cash, jewelry, passports, visas and other valuables in your carry-on baggage

9. Government screening goes faster if you wear slip-on shoes, and avoid wearing metal objects

10. Keep an eye on your luggage at all times and never carry bags or gifts packed by a stranger

The ATA also recommends that passengers visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Web site to review the current security travel tips, including prohibited and permitted items [PDF: 319kb] in the aircraft cabin. The TSA has also published a related news release on Tips For Smooth Thanksgiving Travel.

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THURSDAY

Former ePaper guru now ex-MS Office marketing wiz: Just a year ago we noted the departure of Adobe's Joe Eschbach to a new position at Microsoft as a member of its Information Worker Dream Team. The change of scenery helped fuel some of the rumors that Microsoft was intent on developing a 'PDF Killer.'

Today brings news of another change for the former ePaper marketing chieftain, as reported in "Microsoft Office Marketing Chief Resigns." Apparently things haven't worked out quite as planned, as Eschbach has now resigned from Microsoft.

Microsoft-Watch.com adds this unkind footnote:

""He just wasn't very well-suited to the job," says one company insider, who requested anonymity. "It's a job with lots of big challenges ahead. He didn't really understand how to take the business forward."

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FRIDAY

Smithsonian, NY Times Remember JFK in PDF: November 22 marks the 40th anniversary of a day those of us who were alive in 1963 still hold vividly in mind as the most significant of our lifetimes, probably not displaced for most even by September 11, 2001. Everyone can tell you exactly where they were when they first heard the shocking news that President John F. Kennedy had been shot in Dallas, which was soon followed by the equally unbelievable report that he had died at an assassin's hand.

The Smithsonian Magazine's "The President's Been Shot" commemmoration includes a PDF version [PDF: 68kb], sharing recollections of the fatefully historic day as submitted by a variety of Americans.

Also, The New York Times has posted more than 20 of its historic newspaper pages -- Nov. 23, 1963 Coverage from The Times in PDF (Registration Required) -- for free download.

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