Industry backlash pushes Adobe to remove FedEx button

New 8.1.1 versions of the programs without the button will be available from October, following international outcry over such widely used software being aligned with a single print-service provider.

BPIF corporate affairs director Andrew Brown told printweek.com: "We welcome it. It's a good thing."

"We've been in touch with Adobe Systems Europe," he said. "They assured us that the button didn't work in Europe and that it wasn't going to be enabled. That was reassuring."

Brown said he was aware of at least two UK companies that had been concerned over the issue and that even though the button didn't work in Europe it was still "like the sword of Damacles hanging over them".

The US print industry body PIA/GATF said it was "delighted" at the decision.

PIA/GATF president and chief executive Michael Makin said: "We recognise that the company must have had to move mountains to retreat on its position, and we commend Adobe for its swift action. They have clearly restored confidence in our long-lasting partnership."

Adobe said that FedEx Kinko's was "exemplary" on the issue, agreeing to make the button available only from versions of Adobe software that it distributes.

Johnny Loiacono, Adobe senior vice president creative business solutions unit, added: "FedEx Kinko's really went the extra mile to work with us to come to a resolution. They could have taken a tough line, because we do have a formal contract, but they showed a lot of class and understanding about the concerns within the print community."

Loiacono said that the new version was the company's key priority, but that it will have to undergo thorough testing for bugs and compatibility issues before release.

"We have moved as many people as we can on to the project, but it takes time to do the standard testing that is required to ensure that we don't cause more problems by not performing sufficient testing," he said.

To help head off any similar problems arising in the future, the company is to set up a Print Advisory Council to advise on how best to integrate third-party services sympathetically into Adobe software.

Such was the strength of feeling over the issue prior to this resolution that US printers had instructed staff to switch from Adobe's InDesign to Quark and were offering alternative drivers for PDF creation to their customers.

Adobe said the decision will not impact its revenues.