Message from the Editor
by Ron Arner
I hope that the acquisition of Macromedia by Adobe will not mean the end of RoboHelp as some have predicted. I say this because I'm working on my first RoboHelp project and I can't remember when I've had so much fun working with a software program. The ease with which it allows me to create an HTML help file amazes me, and talk about great features! DHTML with the push of a button, the ability to customize your skin/display, and the auto-generated Table of Contents and navigation have left me asking: "Where have you been all of my tech comm life?"
I have to admit that I feel a little bit guilty about enjoying RoboHelp as much as I am. I feel guilty because I've been to several presentations and had numerous conversations with other STC members about the product, but never realized what it was capable of until I started to use it. To me, it was one of those "another software program to learn someday" dismissals, and now I wish I'd not brushed it off so easily.
I wanted to see if I could find additional information about the combining of the two companies online, and discovered the exact same press release at both the Adobe and Macromedia sites. Adobe has added an additional page that is updated whenever there is new news about the acquisition, (http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/invrelations/ adobeandmacromedia.html), which includes an FAQ document added in May. Here are some questions and answers from that FAQ that I thought might be of interest to technical communicators:
Do you anticipate a reduction in force as a result of this transaction?
When two successful growing companies join together, the result is a combined organization that creates new and exciting opportunities. The combination will lead to powerful new areas of innovation, new products and solutions, and an acceleration of our respective growth agendas. At the same time, there will be some duplication of employee functions between the two companies, and upon the close of the transaction, we anticipate some level of reduction in force. While we anticipate the integration team will identify opportunities for cost savings, the primary motivation for this acquisition is to continue to expand and grow our businesses into new markets.
What are the benefits of the combined product lines?
Many of our customer segments are complementary and in many cases customers in those segments are using products from both companies. The combined company will be able to offer increased productivity through streamlined workflow and tighter integration. However, until the close of the transaction, the companies will continue to operate their respective businesses as usual.
Are there areas of duplication in product lines?
If so, how will that be addressed? Adobe and Macromedia are committed to serving the needs of our combined customers. The companies are largely complementary, and thus the amount of competition between us is limited. Post closing, we believe the industry will remain as dynamic and competitive as it is today. Until the close of transaction, the companies will continue to operate business and usual. The combined company will not be able to create a joint product roadmap until after the transaction is closed.
What happens to the Macromedia brand?
Adobe recognizes the strong equity of the Macromedia brand. That said, it makes great business sense for a company the size of the combined company to align behind a single corporate brand. Over time, Macromedia products will transition to the Adobe brand. Adobe expects to keep and continue investing in key Macromedia product brands.
How important are Rich Internet Applications to Adobe?
Delivering a robust technology platform enabling Rich Internet Application development will be central to the combined company's strategy going forward. Macromedia has demonstrated strength in this area and the combined company expects to continue building on the solutions each has in place today.
Will any products be eliminated or phased out as a result of this transaction?
Adobe and Macromedia are committed to serving the needs of our combined customers. The companies are largely complementary, and thus the amount of competition between us is limited. Post closing, we believe the industry will remain as dynamic and competitive as it is today. Until the close of transaction, the companies will continue to operate business and usual. The combined company will not be able to create a joint product roadmap until after the transaction is closed.
How can I get more information about this transaction?
Adobe and Macromedia will provide updates via the Adobe/Macromedia Acquisition Website as information becomes available at www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/invrelations/adobeandmacromedia.html.
What do I do if I have questions regarding this transaction?
Please reference the Adobe/Macromedia Acquisition Website at www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/invrelations/adobeandmacromedia.html for information on how to submit questions regarding this transaction. We will collect questions and provide periodic updates to the FAQ.
How long will training and support be available for Macromedia products?
Adobe is committed to Macromedia customers and believes both training and support are critical components of providing a complete customer solution. The combined company does not expect a change in this philosophy.
Unfortunately, these questions and answers did not allay my fears that RoboHelp might be phased out, although it did make me feel a little bit better to see them posted on the Adobe site because it implies others have voiced concern about similar issues. I am hopeful, but skeptical, shaking my fist at the heavens until I know for certain what the fate of my newly discovered favorite program will be.
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