Adobe announces InDesign Server CS2

Today Adobe announced InDesign Server CS2, which is slated for release this Fall. It is currently in "pilot" with a select group of systems integrators and developers. InDesign Server CS2 is a "new technology for third-party systems integrators and developers to use for building design-driven, server-based publishing solutions." The core codebase is InDesign, but it's optimized for server platforms, bringing new levels of automation and efficiency to publishing workflows and collaboration. Features include support for custom scripting and programming, including C++, SOAP, JavaScript, AppleScript, and Microsoft Visual Basic, which will enable Adobe Solutions Network (ASN) developers to create scripts, plugins and web services that interact with it.

InDesign Server will only be available only through third parties "who build and deliver solutions for customers." It will not be available directly from Adobe for end users. Pricing is not yet available, but Adobe says it will be comparable to other server technologies in the publishing market. ASN developers will not pay a fee for a developer license, instead they will purchase licenses at the time they deploy their "solutions" to their customers.

InDesign server will support Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2003 Server and Mac OS X 10.3.x and later. There is no support at this time for Unix, Linux or Solaris.