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VERDICT: Improved recording capabilities, richer design and interactivity and deeper integration with PowerPoint see Captivate build on existing strengths.

Adobe Captivate is a Flash-based solution for computer-based training (CBT). The use of Flash provides an immediate and massive advantage as it means that Captivate’s output is automatically viewable by anyone with the Flash player installed – roughly 98% of users with an internet connection...

VERDICT: Radical improvement of the production workflow for desktop application development - and of the results that can be achieved.

Expression Blend is the central component of the new Expression Studio suite and of Microsoft’s drive to become a major player in the world of design software...

Microsoft pulls off an extraordinary feat reinventing desktop application design, but it's only the taste of things to come regarding the web.

For years now there has been talk of Microsoft’s determination to move into the design software territory normally associated with Adobe. Now, with the launch of the Expression Studio suite, the talk is over – so how does it shape up?

VERDICT: Dreamweaver takes its place at the heart of the Creative Suite Web Edition

Recently I looked at Adobe’s CS3 Design Standard suite with its strong focus on professional print. These days, however, most designers are as interested in outputting to the web as they are to paper...

VERDICT: Improved CSS handling, browser compatibility checking and especially the new Ajax support make this the most significant Dreamweaver release for years.

Dreamweaver has dominated the world of professional web design in the decade since Macromedia first introduced it. Recently however there has been growing concern that it has been trading on past glories...

RECOMMENDED

VERDICT: Improved media handling, notably Flash video support, and improved interactivity see Captivate extend into rich new areas of computer-based training.

The most obvious strength of Adobe Captivate is that it outputs its computer-based training in the web-friendly Flash SWF format which can immediately be viewed by just about every computer user...