As of November 15, 2015, Adobe no longer offers patches or bug fixes for Adobe Acrobat X (Version 10). Anyone using this product version should upgrade to the latest version. Enterprise policy requires that you make sure your system and software is up to date and patched to reduce security risks. Read the Partners Information Systems EISP-12.1: IT Acquisition, SDLC and Maintenance Policy (Login with Partners username and password).
Visit the KnowledgeBase for an article on How to find out what version of Adobe Acrobat is installed on your computer.
If you were not able to upgrade by November 15, lessen the risk:
- Install or Upgrade to the latest version of Acrobat Reader (free)
- Set your system default to use Acrobat Reader
- Budget and set a date to upgrade
- More guidance will be forthcoming from the Information Security & Privacy Office.
Please see the Adobe Acrobat Product Comparison Matrix to help understand the difference products and licensing options.
Additional resources
- Jump to the Frequently Asked Questions
- Visit the Cost Estimates for Software KnowledgeBase article for quotes and additional information
- View the reference guide for obtaining software for use at work at Partners HealthCare
Background
On April 7, 2015, Adobe released Acrobat DC (Document Cloud) Standard and Professional. Adobe is still offering both perpetual licensing as well as subscription-based licensing. Adobe Acrobat XI has been discontinued and you can now only upgrade from Acrobat X or XI to Acrobat DC. Anyone with versions earlier than Acrobat X will need to purchase a new license.
As of November 15, 2015, Adobe no longer offers patches or bug fixes for Adobe Acrobat X. Anyone using this product will need to upgrade to the latest version to make sure they are not affected by security issues. All departments and labs are encouraged to prepare and budget accordingly.
FAQ:
Q. I am not sure which product I need. Where can I learn more?
A. Please see the Adobe Acrobat Product Comparison Matrix to help understand the difference products and licensing options.
Q: I currently have Adobe Acrobat Professional XI (11). Is there anything that I need to do at this time?
A: No. If you have a perpetual license you will see no change. If you have a subscription-based license, you will be updated to Adobe Acrobat DC automatically. If you want to take advantage of the promotion described above, order by November 17, 2015. Acrobat version 11 (XI) will be supported until October15, 2017. More information about the Adobe Support Lifecycle can be found: https://www.adobe.com/support/programs/policies/policy_enterprise_lifecycle.html
Q. Can I install the license on my work and home computer?
A. Yes, but you cannot use the license simultaneously on two machines. Please see all of the details in this Adobe FAQ: https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/end-user-license-agreements-faq.html
Q. What are the security issues mentioned above?
A. There will be no updates or patch fixes, which could lead to hacks, viruses and breaches if you are using a version of the software (Acrobat X) that is no longer supported. See http://www.adobe.com/support/programs/policies/policy_enterprise_lifecycle.html for more information. Read the Partners Information Systems EISP-12.1: IT Acquisition, SDLC and Maintenance Policy (Partners username and password required to login).
Q. What are the differences between the free Adobe Acrobat Reader and the Standard and Professional versions?
A. Adobe Reader can be used to fill out and save PDFs, but you will need to purchase Adobe Acrobat DC Standard or Pro to edit a PDF. Adobe Acrobat DC Reader is free and you can upgrade online: https://get.adobe.com/reader/
See additional FAQ online: https://helpx.adobe.com/reader/faq.html#faq_faq_1.
Q. Can I upgrade Adoble Acrobat 9.0 to Adobe Acrobat DC?
A. No, you are no longer able to upgrade form versions earlier than Acrobat X (10). You need to purchase a new license.
Q. How long will Adobe Acrobat Document Cloud (DC) be supported?
A. Acrobat DC will be supported until April 7, 2020. More information about the Adobe Support Lifecycle can be found: https://www.adobe.com/support/programs/policies/policy_enterprise_lifecycle.html
Q. How do I know what version of Adobe Acrobat is installed on the computer I am using?
A. Visit the KnowledgeBase for a How to article.
Q. How do I install or upgrade to the latest version of Acrobat Reader?
A. Visit the Adobe website for the instructions and download: https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/install-updates-reader-acrobat.html
Q. How to set your system default to view and open PDF documents in Acrobat Reader?
A. Visit the KnowledgeBase for a How to article.
Q. What are the terms for the Acrobat DC subscription licenses purchased on the Corporate Agreement?
A. The terms of the license between Partners HealthCare and Adobe runs until April 2016. This means you will be invoiced for a pro-rated amount based on the monthly cost between your purchase date and April 2016. In April 2016, the licensing will be renewed and you will have to renew. This promotion will be over, but the cost is unknown.