Adobe Postscript
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Adobe's PostScript product became the de facto standard for desktop publishing in the mid-1980s. The PostScript solution comprised three key components: 1) an open PostScript language that transmitted information about how a printed page would appear, 2) a PostScript interpreter installed in output devices such as printers and imagesetters, and 3) a library of PostScript fonts. In order to ensure the success of PostScript, Adobe assembled a strategic alliance of industry-leading firms that would address these three components with the introduction of PostScript-compatible hardware and software. The strategic alliance included: Aldus published PageMaker software which allowed integrated text and graphics in document creation, Apple provided the Macintosh PC hardware and LaserWriter printer, and Linotype licensed popular professional-quality fonts.
Adobe was able to generate significant revenue from PostScript through two major sources. The first revenue stream was the licensing of PostScript interpreter technology to hardware OEMs. Adobe collected a percentage royalty fee on each PostScript printer or imagesetter sold. The second revenue stream came from Adobe's own PostScript-compatible software applications. Although PostScript's open standard invited competition, Adobe became one of the best implementers of such technology, introducing successful software products such as Illustrator and Photoshop. The sale of PostScript-compatible software applications bolstered Adobe's revenues in print and web publishing products...