I came across an article by news.com and it builds hype around the concept of Adobe AIR becoming a standard desktop development tool.
A particular quote got me rather excited as to what Adobe is accomplishing with AIR.
"Microsoft is trying to bring the .Net community to the Web. We are really focused on bringing the larger Web community to the desktop. It's two different approaches. It's not a head-on thing--it's just two groups of developers," Lynch said. "Our bet is on the Web."
This represents a comparison that seems highly favor of Adobe as there are already hundreds of AIR applications available on the web. Being able to access the web from your desktop represents great opportunities for developers connecting with the user. As more and more of these applications become available, the way we use internet applications will continue to change.
What is Adobe AIR?
AIR, or Adobe Integrated Runtime, is a download that lets Web applications run on a desktop. With AIR applications, people can work offline and drag and drop items like graphics or text between Web and desktop applications.
When is Air officially released?
The first version of AIR, set for release in the first half of next year, will have integration with computers' file systems, notifications, and automatic network connection when people get back online.
Where can I locate more information on Adobe AIR?
Adobe AIR support forum
Looking for the answer to a specific question you have about Adobe AIR? Post your question to the forums to get help from Adobe Community Experts and others in the Adobe AIR community.
Adobe AIR blogs
Read what people are saying about Adobe AIR in developer blogs.
Adobe AIR LiveDocs
Access Adobe AIR documentation for HTML/Ajax, Flash, or Flex developers.
February 12th, 2008 at 10:57 am
as the release of AIR 1.0 gets closer, I hope the media will get a better picture of the significance of AIR.
Leaving aside the web/occasionally connected aspect for a moment …
I started off as a VB programmer, which meant making client/server apps (using well-built components) for everyone - provided you ran on Windows.
I’m just about to spec up a system that will need to be a desktop app with server access - a web (DHTML or Flex) app just won’t cut it. But AIR can.
Even Microsoft people don’t get it. There is no Microsoft technology I use that will easily - with either HTML/JS skills or Flex RAD componentry - let me build a desktop app for Windows _and_ Mac (And Linux Desktop).
and it can work offline and synch when next connected.
I can’t wait.
February 12th, 2008 at 11:32 am
I totally agree. Adobe AIR represents a tool that can get done what most people thought was very hard to accomplish. Soon, that will begin to change.