Web designers, sales and marketing managers, publishers, ad agencies, print shops and small business owners can use ACDSee's DeskTop Author plug-in to quickly create and share interactive online marketing materials such as page-turning photo albums, e-brochures, and e-presentations. The software includes more than 20 page templates and can also be used to create educational materials, corporate and school presentations, and promotional portfolios.
Using a proprietary viewer, the program creates files that are small enough for easy distribution via the Web, e-mail and CDs. Its simple point-and-click page-turning system can provide prospective customers with more information and an enhanced on-line shopping experience.
The software's forms-creation feature uses an internal calculation engine to make it simple to gather and analyze customer information and feedback, survey results, and application form data.
Desk Top Author was developed by DNAML Pty Ltd in Sydney, Australia using its DigitalWebBook format. The product is aimed at the growing number of companies seeking to bolster their online retailing activities. According to a recent study by eMarketer, US online retail sales of products and services grew from $27.3 billion in 2000 to$44.1 billion in 2002.
The software is available in standalone form (www.desktopauthor.com). As a plug-in to ACDSee imaging software, it sells for $99.95. (ACD Systems International: www.acdsystems.com)