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Re: KOFAX vs Acrobat accessibility evaluation

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From: Karen McCall
Date: Jun 7, 2024 7:00AM

OK, I have an update!

First, Kofax is now Tungsten Automation (formerly Kofax).

Second, even though they provide a dialog for an update, there is no such thing as a "free" update.

Each time there is an "update", you have to purchase an "upgrade".

The "good" news is that the tagging is much better and more accurate.

I use JAWS and when I started PowerPDF I got an accessibility settings dialog. This is an improvement.

The Reading Order Panel opens to the right of the document and reveals a Reading Order Ribbon which I haven't explored yet.

I can't find the Content Panel and it is not in the list of things to add to either the Navigation Pane (if that's what it's called here) or the Reading Order Pane.

The Ribbons do have keyboard commands but I've just installed the program so haven't explored them to see how deep or how accessible the tools are.

So, on the negative, there are no "updates" just paid "upgrades" for the application. I'm not sure what constitutes an update or upgrade? Completely new Versions numbers or incremental Version numbers?

On the plus side, the tagging is much better.

I haven't checked the OCR or other tools yet but will keep the list posted.

BTW, an upgrade for the current version (5) is $250 CAD or close to it.

Cheers, Karen

-----Original Message-----
From: WebAIM-Forum < <EMAIL REMOVED> > On Behalf Of Karen McCall
Sent: Thursday, June 6, 2024 7:51 AM
To: WebAIM Discussion List < <EMAIL REMOVED> >
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] KOFAX vs Acrobat accessibility evaluation

I have the three applications, Acrobat, Foxit and Kofax PowerPDF Advanced.

Since Kofax acquired PowerPDF from Nuance, it is, to put it bluntly, crap.

Even if you start with an accessible Word document that has all the structure, the only tags that result from using the Kofax product are <P> tags with some <Figure> and <Table>. It used to be competitive and is currently the only tools that is not subscription. However, I guess you get what you pay for.

Another problem is that apparently there has been an update or two for over a year and I cannot update the application. The update is listed but the "Update Now" or "Install Now" button (forget what it is called) is unavailable. I've tried everything I can think of to try and update but can't. The pricing hasn't changed, there is something wrong with their update process.

I also don't find their customer service or support folk to be helpful. No one knows anything about tagged PDF...or accessibility.

I don't recommend purchasing this tool until it evolves to be a competitor in the tagged PDF tools again. I am going to give tech support one more try to see if I can get an update. Not holding my breath.

If I can get the update, I'll let the list know if there are any improvements.

It used to be competitive! Not anymore.

Cheers, Karen

-----Original Message-----
From: WebAIM-Forum < <EMAIL REMOVED> > On Behalf Of Lars Ballieu Christensen
Sent: Thursday, June 6, 2024 7:36 AM
To: WebAIM Discussion List < <EMAIL REMOVED> >
Subject: [WebAIM] KOFAX vs Acrobat accessibility evaluation

Hi all,



I was wondering if anyone has compared PDF creation and remediation with Adobe Acrobat vs KOFAX from an accessibility point of view. If so, I would be most interested in a copy of the results.



Venligst/Kind regards



Lars

----

Lars Ballieu Christensen

RÃ¥dgiver/Adviser, Ph.D., M.Sc., Sensus ApS

Specialister i tilgængelighed/Accessibility Consultants

Tel: +45 48 22 10 03 - Mobil: +45 40 32 68 23 - Skype: Ballieu

Mail: <EMAIL REMOVED> - Web: https://www.sensus.dk/



Vi arbejder for et tilgængeligt og rummeligt informationssamfund

Working for an accessible and inclusive information society