According to Adobe it will only be possible to take part in the programme if you are in the USA, and by using USA credit cards. This takes the immediate heat off the issue here, although how it will play out in the US is anyone's guess, Australian Printer understands Adobe is currently trying to extricate itself from its contract with FedEx Kinko's.
Since news of the bombshell was revealed Australian printers, in line with their counterparts across the world, have been up in arms,with Philip Andersen, CEO of Printing Industries describing it as a 'brain explosion', he says, "I cannot recall any other single issue over several years that has so outraged so many people and prompted such a vocal response from our industry members."
Quite why Adobe decided to sign a deal with FedEx Kinko's is not yet known, although several websites have Adobe insiders stating that they 'simply screwed up'. It certainly highlights the power of Adobe in the print industry.
Adobe is currently in major damage control with the worldwide printing industry after including the button in its latest software releases being launched in the US. The powerful Printing Industries of America is furious with Adobe, its president saying printers had been 'terribly betrayed'. Here Philip Andersen was quick off the mark, firing off a letter to the Adobe president Bruce Chizen expressing his dismay in similar terms.
Andersen has welcomed confirmation that Adobe has no plans to roll out its controversial FedEx Kinko's agreement in Australia, however he said, "Notwithstanding this, it is the philosophy behind the FedEx Kinko's agreement that has everyone concerned. The idea of a major supplier of any kind becoming a competitor by favouring one print group over its entire print customer base is a brain explosion hard to comprehend.
"It has prompted widespread anger in our industry prompting an unprecedented response via e-mail and phone calls to our offices from people very vocally expressing their dissatisfaction."
ndersen said this included individuals, companies and major Australian print franchise operations.
While Adobe tries to lessen the impact Andersen says, "The fundamental issue still remains. We are in contact with our affiliates in the USA, UK and Asia who share our concerns and will continue to lobby Adobe until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of our respective industries."
Around half a billion Adobe Acrobat Readers have been downloaded from the web.
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