Adobe Systems has announced Connect 8, a significant update to the company’s Web conferencing offering for powering Web meetings, online training and webinars.
The company said that its new version is based on the Adobe Flash Player software and features simplified interface, more flexible collaboration capabilities, and enhanced audio and video integration.
Adobe Connect 8 offers a software development kit (SDK) for greater extensibility, a new, optional desktop client based on the Adobe AIR runtime for meeting management, and support for a range of mobile devices.
The new version’s enhancements include sharing, chat, video, notes, Q&A, whiteboard, and other functionality "pods".
Adobe Connect 8 also features two-way Universal Voice that allows customers to bridge audio from any conferencing provider into an Adobe Connect room and provide two-way communication between participants on both VoIP and telephone audio.
The new offering also embodies integration of Adobe Connect1 with existing video conferencing systems, enabling meeting hosts to bring live audio and video broadcast streams directly into an Adobe Connect room.
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Enhanced collaboration SDK, with support for Adobe Flex, Adobe Flash and Adobe ActionScript 3, allows developers to create custom pods or integrate Adobe Connect with other systems.
Adobe Connect Desktop that is based on Adobe AIR, lets users set up and manage meetings right from the desktop.
The optional application also allows users to download recorded sessions for offline viewing.
Adobe Connect Mobile enables participants to view meetings on mobile devices.
Adobe Connect Mobile works on Apple iPhone and iPad, as well as Google Android and other mobile devices enabled with Adobe Flash technology.
Adobe Connect vice president and general manager Arun Anantharaman said Connect 8 enables organisations to standardise 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," Anantharaman said.
"In addition, the product is highly extensible, enabling organisations to leverage third-party pods, as well as integrate with existing systems."
