Adobe to acquire Scene7

Reflecting the growing interest in rich media, creative software maker Adobe Systems Inc. said yesterday that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Scene7, which delivers rich media applications over the Internet.

Adobe already develops software to create rich media, including Flash, Photoshop and Flex. Integrating those offerings with Scene7 will allow the company to build a more robust Internet infrastructure.

"With this acquisition, Adobe is creating a seamless workflow for its customers," said Doug Mack, Scene7 CEO. "With Scene7, there's now a hard connection where we can serve and deliver the Adobe experience on its customers' Web sites."

Mr. Mack is expected to join Adobe, San Jose, CA, as vice president of creative solutions services.

Scene7, Novato, CA, enables companies to automate the production and availability of rich media experiences, including zoom, dynamic sizing, personalization and interactive dynamic product catalogs.

Its clients include Sears, Macy's, Levi Strauss & Co., Zillow.com, Anthropologie and Lands' End. Mr. Mack said that there has been an explosion of interest in rich media in the past 24 months.

The two companies have had a partnership since 2005, when Adobe acquired Macromedia, another company with which Scene7 collaborated closely.

"What became apparent was that we could accomplish so much more together than with at an arms-length partnership," Mr. Mack said.

The deal is expected to close by the end of May. Most of Scene7's employees are expected to join Adobe.