ClearStory's CreativeConnections

ClearStory has introduced ActiveMedia CreativeConnections, a new module that allows designers and other creative professionals using Adobe and QuarkXpress to interact with ActiveMedia without leaving their design applications. CreativeConnections for Adobe InDesign CS2 is available now; the QuarkXPress version will be released later this year.

ClearStory claims CreativeConnections extends the value of ActiveMedia through SOAP Web services by delivering the following benefits:

Improved productivity. CreativeConnections integrates an organization's creative layout applications with the digital asset management system, saving time and streamlining workflow.Controlled review, approval and versioning. The software positions ActiveMedia as the central, shared creative content workspace, allowing for cross-team, cross-location accessibility, thus facilitating controlled review and approval processes and versioning.Brand consistency and compliance. Because it's a Web-based solution that provides complete remote access, the software is said to ensure that creative employees are always accessing the most current, approved content.Lower total cost of ownership Users work with low-resolution images for position only (FPO) before swapping in high-resolution versions for final upload.