The launch of the new Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system on October 25, 2001, was a major event for the computing industry. Windows XP's robust, easy-to-use operating system and new usability enhancements are changing the way home and office users compute. Adobe's major applications are being developed to take advantage of the features and functionality of Windows XP. Currently, many Adobe applications - including Adobe® InDesign® 2.0, Adobe Photoshop® 7.0, Adobe Photoshop Elements 1.0, Adobe GoLive® 6.0, Adobe LiveMotion™ 2.0, and Adobe After Effects® 5.5 - are "Designed for Windows XP," a designation that identifies software products that have passed testing to ensure they are easy to use, stable, and take full advantage of the architecture provided by the Windows XP platform.
This recent interview with Adobe Executive Vice President Shantanu Narayen highlights Adobe's support of Windows XP and answers questions surrounding the operating system and Adobe products.
Q: Why is Windows XP great for Adobe customers?
A: Windows XP is great for customers because it builds on the consistent experience people currently get from Adobe's user interface. After installing Windows XP, Adobe customers will have a better time working with rich media — like digital images and video — because Windows XP integrates rich media capabilities into the operating system. Customers who use Adobe products on Windows XP at home and at the office will have a more unified computing experience and will find increased stability, performance, and platform integration due to the operating system's strong foundation.
Q: Why is Adobe excited about Windows XP?
A: We believe that using Adobe products on Windows XP will substantially improve our customers' experience on a Windows system. For example, the integration of digital images and video in Windows XP will give users a better experience working with digital cameras and camcorders. What was previously a difficult process of installation and integration is now — thanks to Windows XP enhancements — a "plug and play" experience. Due to Windows XP's operating system foundations, we are able to deliver a more stable, consistent experience for customers than was previously possible. We are also excited about XP because it will allow us to build better products for our customers faster. The single platform for home and office users means lower development costs and quicker time to market for products.
Q: Is Adobe participating in the "Designed for Windows XP" logo program?
A: Yes; we believe products that meet the requirements of the "Designed for Windows XP Application Specification" and qualify for the "Designed for Windows XP" logo create a better customer experience. The first Adobe product to receive the "Designed for Windows XP" logo is Photoshop Elements 1.0, which is currently shipping. Adobe has always worked to build quality software. We have identified a few minor issues that are keeping our other shipping products from qualifying for the "Designed for Windows XP" logo. We'll address these minor issues as we develop future versions of our flagship products and expect these products will receive the "Designed for Windows XP" logo.
Q: Will Adobe be delivering upgrades of its products to make them Windows XP compatible?
A: In general, Adobe doesn't develop versions of its products to specifically address operating system compatibility issues. Rather — as we are doing for Apple's Mac OS X — we will be addressing any Windows XP compatibility issues and incorporating Windows XP enhancements into future versions of our products.
Q: Will the digital imaging support of Windows XP through thumbnails, print, and publishing affect Adobe's own digital imaging product line?
A: The digital imaging features of Windows XP actually complement Adobe's digital imaging, digital video, and collaboration products by introducing digital imaging and digital video to a new audience. These new users will be able to take advantage of digital imaging features in Windows XP to more easily create videos using Adobe Premiere® and edit photos using Adobe Photoshop. With Windows XP, Microsoft has made it easier to install and use digital cameras and camcorders with a Windows PC. This in turn makes it easier for customers to use Photoshop and Premiere on a Windows PC. For example, when plugging in a digital camera, Adobe Premiere can start up immediately and download video faster and easier than before.
Q: What is a customer's experience using Adobe's currently shipping products on Windows XP?
A: With a few minor exceptions, Adobe's currently shipping products work as they do on Windows 2000. Our product pages have information listed for each product that include compatibility on Windows XP, and how best to upgrade to Windows XP.
Q: Does your excitement about Windows XP lessen your support for the Macintosh platform?
A: No; Adobe got its start on the Macintosh platform and this platform remains a substantial and important part of our business. We are committed to supporting and developing quality products for both Windows and Macintosh platforms.
