[1] Scene7, known for its online solutions for dynamic imaging and electronic catalogs, is being acquired by [2] Adobe.

I’m familiar with Scene7 for its eCatalogs, Flash-based print catalogs online. I’ve [3] created something similar for a client of mine and got to know Scene7’s products when I researched my own project. It appears I’m not the only one who was impressed with what I saw—here’s the press release:

Adobe To Acquire Hosted Services Innovator

Scene7 To Add Rich Media Capabilities to Adobe Online Portfolio

SAN JOSE, CA — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Scene7®, a technology innovator in real-time rich media delivery services. Adobe plans to offer and expand these interactive publishing services as it extends the online presence of its flagship creative technologies.

Most of Scene7’s employees are expected to join Adobe, with chief executive officer Doug Mack taking the position of vice president, Creative Solutions Services at Adobe.

“Scene7 has done a great job developing a sophisticated system that underpins the online delivery of high-fidelity imagery and dynamic assets,” said [4] John Loiacono, senior vice president of Creative Solutions at Adobe. “This acquisition will help Adobe build out a robust Internet infrastructure, allowing us to further develop Scene7’s brand-name customer list and accelerate the online availability of technologies relied on by millions of creatives worldwide.”

Leading companies and organizations have already selected Scene7 to automate the production and availability of rich media experiences, including zoom, dynamic sizing, personalization, and interactive dynamic product catalogs. Scene7 clients include Sears, Macy’s, Levi Strauss & Co., Zillow.com, Anthropologie, OTTO UK, Lands’ End and QVC. For more information, visit [5] www.scene7.com.

“Adobe is the ideal company to speed the development and worldwide distribution of our rich media solutions,” said Doug Mack, CEO of Scene7. “Our joint customers, partners and employees will benefit greatly as we create strategic integrations with Adobe products, raise the visibility of Scene7’s solutions and expand Adobe’s portfolio of hosted solutions.”

Scene7 is based in Novato, California. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close by the end of May 2007. The addition of Scene7 is not expected to have a material impact to Adobe revenue and earnings in fiscal year 2007. Terms were not disclosed. For more information, please visit: [6] www.scene7.com/scene7_faq.pdf.

Forward Looking Statements Disclosure
This press release contains forward looking statements, including those related to future product development plans, which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, individuals should refer to Adobe’s SEC filings. Adobe does not undertake an obligation to update forward looking statements.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated
Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information—anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit [7] www.adobe.com.

This is exciting news, but I’m uncertain how Scene7 will fit into Adobe’s plans. Adobe creates software like Flash, then Scene7 leverages it to make solutions for companies online. Is Adobe getting into the solutions game as well? Can we designers expect to see Scene7’s tools become available to us through Dreamweaver or some other product? These are intriguing questions. The one thing I’m certain of is that, with its launch of CS3 and Lightroom, Adobe is taking its mission to a new level and I really do think we will see a revolution of communication and ideas—if the users get excited enough to embrace the new tools.