When Adobe's Creative Suite 4 came out, there was a lot of information to digest, which is one reason that the introduction of InContext Editing to Dreamweaver didn't get much press. Like Adobe's standalone app, Contribute, InContext Editing helps a client who isn't HTML-savvy to maintain content in Web sites you design.

Now that things are quieter, I wanted to tell you about an update to InContext Editing, which is at version 1.5 as of today. The update is notable for just two additions -- simplified administration controls and the ability to create editable regions from a Web browser -- but the very fact that InContext Editing exists is food for thought.

Unlike Contribute, InContext Editing is Web browser-based only. Although you do need to use Dreamweaver CS4 to make sites accessible to InContext Editing, clients don't need Dreamweaver to edit those sites. InContext Editing is a fully hosted online service -- and it's free.

Heidi Voltmer, group product marketing manager of the Creative Suite, told me that Adobe will continue to sell and support Contribute. And it's true that at this point, you must have Contribute if firewalls are involved or the client wants to insert dynamic or other more complex content.

However, I can't help thinking that Adobe is preparing itself for a future that doesn't involve desktop software. I never thought it could happen in the creative space, but truth may be stranger than fiction.

You can check out InContext Editing's free public preview online. All you'll need is an Adobe ID.