Monday, January 21, 2002		Article

Adobe is ACE’s abode
Sumesh Raizada

THERE are very few organisations, which have contributed consistently towards the success of Information Technology. Besides Microsoft that has become a household name among PC users because to its Windows operating system, there is another firm that has contributed immensely towards IT revolution through its various utility software. The organisation is Adobe, a US-based firm, which presently ranks among the leading software companies because of its highly successful software for application in DTP, photography, advertising and entertainment. The Adobe products are being used both in Web as well as in print publishing, besides digital imaging, digital video and in a latest concept of e-paper. Adobe software is also being used in wireless and broadband applications.

Throughout the globe, advertising firms, media and print industries, film studios, Web and graphic designers are successfully using Adobe products like Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, GoLive, LiveMotion, FrameMaker, Premiere, etc. This offers a huge career prospects for professionals trained in Adobe applications to work in respective industries or as a freelancer. Moreover, Adobe itself offers a highly rewarding career at its establishments at various locations including in India, where it has R&D centre located at Noida. It is among a few software companies that have performed remarkably well despite the worldwide recession in the IT industry.

Those desirous of a career, needs to be proficient in one or more of the Adobe software applications. There are several products from Adobe to choose, according to the interest or application. Among them is Adobe Acrobat 5.0 that converts documents into a PDF file and is used for creating Websites, graphics, etc. Adobe After Effect 5.5 software is used for creating visual effects for films, videos, animation and Web designing. Its Standard version consists of animation, after effects tools, etc., while Production Bundle contains additional tools like colour options, motion control, 3 D effects and audio controls. Another useful product is Adobe GoLive 6.0 that helps in designing of dynamic applications for Websites and helps in creating personalised multimedia content for the Web.

Adobe Illustrator software is another highly successful product, which has vector graphics features and is useful for network publishing. Adobe InDesign 2.0 is used for developing creative page layouts for print or e publishing, while Adobe LiveMotion is used for providing animation content in Web designing. It helps in creating dynamic contents in other formats also, like Macromedia, etc. Adobe Photoshop 6.0 is among the most popular software that has numerous applications in desktop publishing, advertising, web and multimedia designing. It is widely used for image editing and creating graphics. It is used to edit and create images and convert them to desired Platforms. Adobe PageMaker 7.0, is a tool for designing page layout for newspapers, magazines, brochures.

Adobe India offers employment opportunity for professionals in various capacities at its establishment. The qualifications requirement and emoluments vary according to the nature of job. The Software Developers are employed for developing new applications or products in line with company’s objective of delivering innovative and users friendly products in the field of HTML, XML or Wireless applications. A candidate has to be proficient in C++ and other programming languages and preferably has to be from engineering background.

Those getting employed as quality assurance professionals should have sufficient experience in resolving software problems, writing reports, verify application components and execute plans. Those with engineering or MCA background with sufficient Adobe and software skills are suitable for these positions. Vacancy also exists for research professionals who work for developing new algorithms and systems. For this position, thorough understanding of data compression, wave theory and programming skills is must. An electronic engineer or postgraduate in computer science is most suitable for the job that requires reasonably high analytical skills, strong mathematical background and problem solving skills.

Apart from this, Adobe offers lucrative career positions at its headquarters and other locations. Senior manager Internet services are required to manage Internet trained professionals. The responsibilities of these professionals include configuration and installation of hardware, network, operating systems and applications for Adobe’s Internet related services. This group also installs various anti-virus technologies for protection of its services from any Web-related viruses. The manager is required to develop vendor for provide various hardware, software, and associated support to the staff.

Systems Administrators mostly work in a team and are responsible for preparing documentation and procedures for using and operating Microsoft’s Active Directory. They are also responsible for server system and account administration, hardware and software maintenance, troubleshooting, server and client configuration, etc. They also assist in developing and maintaining a server backup.

Computer Scientists (Acrobat) are responsible for introducing Acrobat to various new Windows applications. They must have a good exposure to object oriented design, C, C++ programming and API definition. Experience with Windows-specific UI development, excellent written and oral communication skills are added advantage for these professionals. They must be able to work either independently or in a group.

Quality Engineers on the Acrobat firms are responsible for testing all aspects of Adobe server based product. They test the user interface of the product under simulated load conditions and develop and integrate smoke tests into the daily build process for the servers. Qualification requirements include experience with test tools such as WinRunner, LoadRunner and Silk. They must also have strong Window NT or 2000 testing experience.

Computer scientist (Video) prime focus is on desktop application development for video products. The qualification requirement includes experience in C++ programming on Macintosh and Windows platforms, experience with Microsoft Visual Studio and Code Warrior environments. They should have sufficient experience in video and audio application development and must be able to write code for Apple QuickTime technology and Windows Media Architecture.

Installer Engineers are responsible for the development, integration and support of installers and installation software. Qualification requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical or electronic engineering. Candidates should have experience in developing software using C and C++ for Macintosh or Windows, and must be familiar with source code control, localisation, and tracking. They should have good communication and interpersonal skills. Experience with installer engineering and installer building tools such as InstallerVISE and InstallShield is an added advantage.

Order Management Representatives are responsible for interfacing with Adobe channel distributors and authorised Adobe license centres. These professionals should have excellent verbal and written communication skill and are required to support order processing activities like order entry, reviews, communicating with other departments so as to support the order management process. Customer service or order entry experienced is required for this position, besides strong computer and communication skills.

Such is the demand of Adobe products among prospective IT professionals, that almost all major computer-training institutes have these in the curriculum. Image Institute of Digital Technology is among the first prometric training centre for Adobe in India. Adobe Systems has also tied up with LCC Infotech for imparting training on its various products. In line with Microsoft or IBM, Adobe also certifies its trained professionals.

Adobe Certified Experts are those who have passed an Adobe Product Proficiency Exam for a specific Adobe software product. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) designation is recognised as a standard for excellence in Adobe software knowledge. An ACE is an entry-level certification and is most suitable for Graphic designers, Web designers, System integrators, etc. To become an ACE, one must pass an Adobe Product Proficiency Examination, which are computer based tests consisting of 60 to 90 multiple-choice questions. Adobe Certified Training Providers are professional instructors who work in training institutes or as consultants. They are ACE certified and deliver professional training on major Adobe software products.