Adobe Takes To The Cloud

Adobe Systems has launched Adobe Creative Cloud, a new way of providing tools and services for creative professionals.

The Adobe Creative Cloud is a subscription-based offering that is a hub for making, sharing and delivering creative work and it is centred around a the new release of Adobe Creative Suite 6 software, which features new design, web, video and digital imaging tools. Adobe first announced its Creative Cloud in October 2011 at its MAX conference in Los Angeles.

Membership benefits

An Adobe Creative Cloud membership provides users with access to download and install every new Adobe CS6 application and two new HTML5 products, Adobe Muse and Adobe Edge preview. The Adobe Creative Cloud also integrates Adobe’s tablet applications, such as Photoshop Touch – synchronising and storing files in the cloud for sharing and access on any device.

Subscribers also will be able to easily deliver mobile apps to iOS and Android marketplaces and publish, manage and host websites. In addition, Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers will have access to application upgrades, including new CS point-product features, before they are launched as part of major CS updates, as well as inventive new products and services as they emerge.

Adobe Creative Cloud membership is $49.99 (£31) per month, with an annual contract. And Adobe is offering a special introductory rate of $29.99 per month for CS3, CS4, CS5 and CS5.5 individual customers.

The new CS6 release features Adobe Photoshop CS6, Adobe InDesign CS6, Adobe Illustrator CS6, Adobe Dreamweaver CS6, Adobe Premiere Pro CS6, Adobe After Effects CS6, Adobe Flash Professional CS6 and more. With Creative Cloud membership, creatives can download and install all of the 14 new Adobe Creative Suite 6 applications.

Adobe Creative Cloud integrates Adobe’s line of creative touch tools with CS6 desktop applications. Adobe Touch Apps bring professional-level creativity to tablet devices and address multiple areas of the creative process: image editing, ideation, sketching, mood board creation, website and mobile app prototyping, and the presentation of finished work.

Additional tools

Photoshop Touch and Adobe Ideas are already available on the iPad and Android tablets. Three additional tools, available on Android as of 23 April, will be coming to iPad soon: Adobe Collage, Adobe Debut and Adobe Proto.

Meanwhile, a new desktop app, Adobe Creative Cloud Connection, enables the syncing, sharing and storing of files across mobile devices and desktop. Creative Cloud membership includes up to 20GB of cloud storage, with additional storage purchase options coming soon.

Adobe Creative Cloud publishing services will include the ability to easily publish apps, magazines and catalogues to iPad, iPhone and Android devices. Members have immediate access to Adobe Typekit.

New web hosting capabilities, integrated as part of Adobe Creative Cloud membership, enable users to easily create and host high-impact websites. The integration between Adobe Muse, Typekit and the web hosting capabilities power a new simplified workflow for delivering high-impact websites.

Moreover, Creative Cloud members will receive ongoing updates to Creative Suite applications as well as other new products and services as they emerge.

Availability and pricing

Adobe Creative Suite 6 products and Adobe Creative Cloud are scheduled to be available within 30 days and can be pre-ordered now. Adobe Creative Cloud membership will be available to customers in 36 countries and in multiple languages.

Pricing for Creative Cloud membership for individuals is $49.99 per month based on annual membership and $74.99 per month for month-to-month membership. Adobe continues to offer 14 CS6 point-products as well as Adobe Creative Suite 6 Design & web Premium ($1,899), Adobe Creative Suite 6 Design Standard ($1,299), Adobe Creative Suite 6 Production Premium ($1,899) and Adobe Creative Suite 6 Master Collection ($2,599) for purchase. More information on product pricing is available at www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite.html.

Adobe Touch Apps can be purchased separately from the iTunes App Store or Google Play for $9.99 each. Special offers for Adobe Touch Apps are available for customers who sign up for annual membership of Adobe Creative Cloud.

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