Exceptional Value and Performance
Updated January 18, 2022
Exceptional Value and Performance
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Software Version
Power PDF Advanced
Overall Satisfaction with Kofax Power PDF (formerly Nuance)
Preparation of court documents that must meet standardized Portable Document Format requirements plus provide redaction security.
Pros
- Nuance was a recognized leader.
- "Flatten files" is a necessary security plus.
- Standalone "Create/Convert" files (from other formats) is exceptionally convenient.
Cons
- Kofax has little brand recognition.
- Uncertain technical support now that Nuance has been sold to Microsoft.
- Reliability (of owned software) and cost-effectiveness in comparison to Adobe.
Moderately easy to use. Permanent, owned software - without endless and needless "upgrades" and "improvements" - makes an investment in learning worthwhile.
Adobe Acrobat 5 is the PDF standard for legal documents. Bells and whistles in more recent Adobe software do not meet international standards. Kofax Power PDF meets all current standards and avoids useless added confusion.
Do you think Tungsten Power PDF delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Tungsten Power PDF's feature set?
Yes
Did Tungsten Power PDF live up to sales and marketing promises?
Yes
Did implementation of Tungsten Power PDF go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy Tungsten Power PDF again?
Yes
Reliability and consistent performance are more important than "feature-rich." The standard for legal, academic, and international documents is (the equivalent of) Adobe Acrobat 5 (i.e., PDF 1.4). Add-ons beyond that version generally are an impediment for office automation and high productivity.
Using Kofax Power PDF (formerly Nuance)
5 - consultants - generally do their own writing with occasional formatting/editorial assistance
1 - informal "expert" (i.e., experienced user)
- presentations - PowerPoint-to-PDF
- court exhibits - Word and/or PowerPoint to PDF
- editing court documents - i.e., correcting existing PDFs
- Kofax Power PDF should not be relied on alone!
- Features (and deficiencies) vary among PDF software products
- Do not overlook commenting function of (free) Adobe Acrobat Reader!
- For sustainable productivity Power PDF must be used in combination with other PDF products
Evaluating Kofax Power PDF and Competitors
Yes - Replaced Adobe Acrobat. Power PDF was cost-effective, "owned" rather than "subscribed," and enjoyed the reputation for excellence and innovation of Nuance.
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Product Reputation
- Prior Experience with the Product
Nuance name is recognized for innovation and excellence.
"Kofax" name and reputation are unknown.
Integrating Kofax Power PDF
- Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Hyperlinks are a common feature of Microsoft Office (since 1997). But do these carry over into Kofax Power PDF?
Only if the Office hyperlink is explicit, i.e., beginning with "http:// . . . ."
Otherwise hyperlinks must be corrected/added manually by editing in Power PDF.
Only if the Office hyperlink is explicit, i.e., beginning with "http:// . . . ."
Otherwise hyperlinks must be corrected/added manually by editing in Power PDF.
- File import/export
Generally works very well - but essential to have on hand alternatives (e.g., Lightning PDF, Adobe Acrobat Reader, etc.) to address occasional problems.
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