Nuance has included a cloud-based PDF-to-Microsoft Office conversion service with its free Nuance PDF Reader, an alternative to Adobe Reader.

The free Nuance PDF Reader also enables PDF form save, annotations and Microsoft SharePoint features.

The Nuance PDF Reader provides the ability to turn PDF files being viewed in the reader into fully-formatted Microsoft Word, Excel and Office XML documents through a cloud-based service hosted on NuancePDF.com.

The Reader also provides a built-in SharePoint Connector that allows users to open and save PDF files directly into Microsoft SharePoint repositories.

PDF files being viewed within the free Nuance PDF Reader can be encrypted and sent to the Nuance PDF Document Conversion Service, where the user can select a format and have the converted Microsoft Office document returned as a secure email attachment. The NuancePDF.com cloud service showcases the PDF-to-Office conversion technology invented by Nuance in 2003 in collaboration with Microsoft.

Nuance PDF Reader also addresses a troubling PDF security issue found within some readers by giving users the option to prevent JavaScript installation — something the Adobe PDF viewer does not do.

Preventing JavaScript installation creates a safer PDF environment for the end user and adds an additional safety net for IT professionals looking to safeguard their organisations. Hackers have used the PDF JavaScript vulnerability to gain control of a user’s computer — exposing users to system attacks and the transfer of personal information simply by viewing infected PDF files.

While fully compatible with Adobe Reader, the Nuance PDF Reader does not include proprietary Adobe “extras,” such as Adobe AIR, which can add to download and installation size.