Can someone confirm if this will work for our needs?

Question

I downloaded and installed the Acrobat 9 'free 30-day trial' version to confirm whether this software will do what we need for a given requirement before purchasing it but the functions that I need to test are inactive in the trial version.
We need to be able to:
Distribute blank or partially completed forms to external contacts who can open the files without needing to purchase software. (no problem)
External contacts must be able to add attachments or paste screen-shots and photos into the form, fill-in fields and submit the form back to our e-mail address. (not sure)
We must be able to distribute the (partially-completed) returned forms internally for mark-ups and/or approvals and be able to track their progress. (not sure)
Some completed forms will need to be returned to the external contacts, where they must be able to open and print the forms. (I think so)
We need to be able to collect and sort and filter the forms based upon form field inputs. (not sure)
The information in these forms is security-sensitive, so we would like to manage the information locally, not on Adobe.com.
It looks like we can add attachments to the files, but I can not test how it works because this function is disabled for the trial version.
I am also not able to test the sorting/filtering/tracking of forms. I believe this is done using the ‘Distribute’ and ‘Collect’ functions where returned files are ‘collected’ in a master file. The trial version does not allow me to distribute the form, so I can not create the master file to see what it does.
I called customer support to ask about how it works but he would not answer my questions unless we purchase the software.
The descriptions of the software on the website sound like it is possible to do what we need, but I can’t tell for sure, and I don't want to buy it unless all of our requirements can be met somehow.
Can anyone explain to me how this works and let me know if it will do what I need?  Is there another product we should be looking at?

Answer 1

Since no one has given a go at an answer, I will try some. I am surprised that things are grayed out in Acrobat. If you create the form in Designer (the FORMS menu), then you can no longer modify it in Acrobat. That may be one issue you have. The modification can still be done if you do the form in Acrobat using the form tools uner the TOOLS menu.
For your questions: We need to be able to:
Distribute blank or partially completed forms to external contacts who can open the files without needing to purchase software. (no problem)
External contacts must be able to add attachments or paste screen-shots and photos into the form, fill-in fields and submit the form back to our e-mail address. (not sure)
We must be able to distribute the (partially-completed) returned forms internally for mark-ups and/or approvals and be able to track their progress. (not sure)
Some completed forms will need to be returned to the external contacts, where they must be able to open and print the forms. (I think so)
We need to be able to collect and sort and filter the forms based upon form field inputs. (not sure)
1. Yes, that is not an issue.
2. This is an advanced feature that requires current versions of Reader. At least I think photo clip capability has been added -- you will have to wait for others for a confirmation. The form can be filled in and sent back to you. There are 2 aspects to be aware of. If you submit the form, not just the data, then you are limited by the license agreement in quantity based on seciont 15 of the license (available online at Adobe.com). Also, you mention sensitive data. That would normally eliminate e-mail submission right up front due to the lack of security for sensitive data in e-mail. E-mail submission also has problems on many machines due to the client e-mail configuration. You are best to use a web script for submission of the data only (eliminates the license issue that requires saving the form).
3. I am not sure of an answer on this one. I think the answer is at least partially yes.
4. Once you get the form data back, you can import it into the form and save the form with the data for sending it back.
5. Collecting the data is the best manner for the collection on the web with the capability of adding the data to a database or other manipulation. I think the FDF toolbox can send the data directly to a database.
My answers are not complete, but at least they give you a start on your thoughts. There are many here who are form experts and should have no problem answering the questions, once they have time. Just wait a bit.