14 DAY TRIAL // Adobe has announced that it has acquired EchoSign, a digital signature service which enables users to sign documents electronically, reducing the time needed to make documents official and also reducing the need to have things printed out.
EchoSign will be integrated with Adobe's existing technologies in the space, to offer a complete solution for getting things signed in minutes rather than days.
Adobe already has several products which could be integrated with EchoSign for a complete online document exchange services platform.
Adobe says that EchoSign fits in nicely with its existing products such as SendNow, for managed file transfer, form creation tool FormsCentral and CreatePDF, the web based PDF creation tool.
"Adobe’s document solutions help organizations turn inefficient, paper-based workflows into streamlined electronic ones," Adobe's Kevin Lynch said.
"By adding electronic signature capabilities to Adobe’s document exchange services platform, we will be addressing the need to provide better customer experiences by significantly reducing the time, cost and complexity associated with having a document signed," he added.
EchoSign boasts three million users already, from its 30,000 or so customers, which are sending and receiving signed documents via its online service.
EchoSign removes the need for fax machines, couriers and various other methods of having a contract or other legal documents delivered.
"With just one click, the EchoSign electronic signature solution automates the entire signature process from the request for signature to the distribution and execution of the form or agreement," Adobe explained.
The hope is that electronic signatures will gradually become widespread, making for more efficient business transactions. The market is potentially huge, which is why Adobe likely chose to acquire the company, buying place in the emerging market.
Adobe already has a strong presence in this area, its tools are used by pretty much any business out there and PDF files are ubiquitous online and offline.