New Flash, server technologies from Macromedia on view at Computer Faire

Following the recent launch of Macromedia Flash MX, a tool that allows developers to create rich but dynamic content for Internet applications, local Macromedia distributor and Web-enablement specialist, Dax Data, will be demonstrating the technologies at Computer Faire 2002 (Hall 2, Stand F3-6).

Jeremy Matthews, MD of Dax Data, says Flash MX represents the next step in Macromedia`s vision for the delivery of electronic content. "As we move further into the era of Web-based application delivery the need to dynamic content - information customised according to user profile, identity and/or requirements - becomes more pressing.

"Macromedia Flash MX is so tightly integrated with the backend server technologies of the new version of ColdFusion that it will, for example, allow Flash movies to be developed that contain information drawn directly from backend databases or flat files," he adds.

Matthews believes this new Macromedia offering is the first in a wave of products that will be seen over the next few years - all intended to tighten the integration between the applications housed on server platforms and browser-based clients used to access the system. "Customer demand has been calling for improved user experiences, data access, security and performance of applications served over the Internet and Macromedia Flash MX addresses these needs directly," he explains.

In related news, the company has also revealed details of Macromedia ColdFusion MX (the next ColdFusion release, previously code-named "Neo") for rapid application development, a new technology for high-performance application server connectivity and one that will enable collaboration and communication through ColdFusion-hosted Web applications.

"Rich applications are the future of the Internet," says Matthews.

"Macromedia Flash MX, along with the new server technologies, will enable developers to combine rich content with communications and applications to deliver more intuitive, responsive user experiences."

To illustrate this, E*TRADE Financial is already using Macromedia Flash MX to build rich Internet applications that deliver a measurable return.

"E*TRADE Financial speeds up things for customers through Quote Widget, a rich Macromedia Flash application that displays stock quotes without requiring a page refresh," notes Matthews.

Macromedia ColdFusion MX, which can be used in conjunction with Microsoft .Net, Java application servers and web services, will provide developers with the fastest and easiest way to create rich applications with Macromedia Flash MX. In addition, developers will be able to use a new server gateway technology to build Macromedia Flash applications that work directly with leading application servers and Web services.

For communication and collaboration solutions, developers will be able to use Macromedia communication server technology that will enable powerful capabilities including two-way audio and video as well as real-time data transfer with Macromedia Flash Player 6.

Analysts, such as Rikki Kirzner, research director at IDC, believe that the full potential of the Internet is yet to realised. "The ability to incorporate rich, active content into applications will make the entire Web experience more valuable and compelling than anything experienced to date," she says.

"Companies that already have a large installed base of users and widely-deployed player technology will be in the strongest position to provide the necessary infrastructure to get information from the server to the client and will help to transform Web applications into a more meaningful, personalised experience."