Adobe Connect gets expanded Defense Department role

The U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency has expanded its contract for Adobe's (Nasdaq:ADBE) Connect Web conferencing system.

The multi-year deal was valued at $93 million and will enable deployed troops, support personnel, and military leaders to collaborate across locations worldwide using the Web conferencing software. The initial contract is for one year, but has options for renewal through 2015.

Carahsoft Technology, a government IT contractor, was awarded the contract in partnership with Adobe.

The software will be used by entities including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Combatant Commands, and the nation's military branches.

"For the past several years, Adobe Connect has supported vital collaboration across the DoD's complex and diverse environments," said Rob Tarkoff, senior vice president and general manager of Digital Enterprise Solutions for Adobe. "This new contract will enable continued growth and user acceptance of Defense Connect Online as a vehicle for mission-critical, real-time communication. It stands as strong validation of our solution."

Carahsoft and Adobe will continue to operate, maintain and enhance the deployed Defense Connect Online system, which includes Adobe Connect and has been in place since 2007.

The DCO includes Web conferencing, presence and awareness, video conferencing, and chat capabilities, and supports some 500,000 registered users who, on aggregate, use the system for in excess of 35 million Web conferencing minutes per month.

For more:
- see this release

Related article:
Adobe launches newest Adobe Connect conferencing software, SDK