This presentation http://my.adobe.acrobat.com/barcodedformsandreaderextensions/ should answer your questions in regards to the functionality with Reader Extensions and why it is required. As for the costs, it depends on how many forms and what the constituent or customer base is (it is licensed like ARES). You will need to contact the sales organization for exact pricing.
Lastly, if you’d like some best practices, here’s another presentation I put together: http://my.adobe.acrobat.com/barcodedformselearningpdf417bestpractices/
This presentation http://my.adobe.acrobat.com/barcodedformsandreaderextensions/ should answer your questions in regards to the functionality with Reader Extensions and why it is required. As for the costs, it depends on how many forms and what the constituent or customer base is (it is licensed like ARES). You will need to contact the sales organization for exact pricing.
Lastly, if you’d like some best practices, here’s another presentation I put together: http://my.adobe.acrobat.com/barcodedformselearningpdf417bestpractices/
Lee.