Build a solution
Are you considering building or even selling a solution powered by Adobe® InDesign® CS4 Server software? If so, moving from the idea to a working solution usually involves the following four steps: evaluate, download, develop, and license.
- Evaluate
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Your first step is to evaluate InDesign Server to see if it's the right technology for the solution you have in mind. You should make sure that you have the appropriate development skills, including a working knowledge of C++ and scripting, and, ideally, some experience developing publishing tools or plug-ins for the desktop version of InDesign. If you don't have these skills, you may want to contact a partner for consultancy, training, or licensing of existing technology.
- To aid your evaluation, you should also download and review the following:
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Technical introduction to InDesign CS4 Server
This document, which is part of the InDesign Server Software Development Kit (SDK), gives an overview of Adobe InDesign Server. It details how to install and run InDesign Server in a simple environment and briefly describes how to communicate with InDesign Server through SOAP and Java™.
Introduction to InDesign Server (PDF, 399k)
InDesign CS4 Server SDK
Because InDesign CS4 Server shares the same codebase as InDesign CS4, many developers find it useful to start developing with the desktop version of the application. They use it to prototype their ideas before making the jump to InDesign Server.
On the SDK page, you can also find several free introductory webinars on developing with InDesign CS4 Server.
InDesign CS4 Server Scripting Guide
This handy reference, also part of the InDesign Server SDK, provides important background information on creating scripts for InDesign Server. It offers simple examples of common scripting operations and discusses the conversion of InDesign scripts for use with InDesign Server.
InDesign Server Scripting Guide (PDF, 747k)*
Additional useful InDesign CS4 Server resources
- Download
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If you're ready to start writing code for InDesign Server, the next step is to download the debug and runtime versions of the software. To do so, please follow these steps:
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Request access to InDesign Server software
Fill out the one-page InDesign CS3 Server download request form. Instructions for the completion of this form can be found in the PDF file.
IDS developer download request form (PDF, 442k)
Download InDesign Server
Once the approval process has been successfully completed, you will be given access to the InDesign Server debug and runtime versions. The SDK can be downloaded at any time.
Commercial developers: Join the Adobe Solution Partner Program
The Adobe Partner Connection Solution Partner Program gives commercial developers access to Adobe development support. Silver membership includes seven development support cases and is strongly recommended for commercial developers. In-house developers can purchase packs of development support cases as required.
- Develop
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Now it's time to start developing your solution powered by InDesign Server. During the development process, you can consult the following resources.
Developer Center
Find extensive additional developer resources to help ensure that your questions are answered promptly.
Partner showcase
If you have successfully developed a solution that you plan to resell, inform your local Adobe representative so that you can be considered for inclusion in the InDesign Server partner showcase. The partner showcase allows potential customers to learn about your solution and to contact you.
- How to license InDesign Server
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To fully deploy your solution, you'll need to purchase an InDesign Server license. Adobe offers several licensing models, depending on how the server is used within your publishing solution. Once you decide on the appropriate model, there are also a number of ways to buy the software. For more details, contact your Adobe account manager or Adobe partner manager.
How to license InDesign Server
InDesign CS4 Server
Support & resources
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