Macromedia Flex presentation server now available

Macromedia has announced the immediate availability of Macromedia Flex, a new presentation server and application framework that enables enterprise development teams to put more effective interfaces on critical business applications.
The Flex server offers a standards-based, declarative programming methodology for delivering rich user experiences via the ubiquitous Macromedia Flash Player. These Internet applications combine the rich user interface of desktop software with the reach and ease of deployment of the web. Partners and developers have already found strategic uses for Flex based rich Internet applications.
"Everyone knows the limitations of HTML for application user interfaces, but until now, there hasn't been an alternative that works for enterprise development teams," said David Mendels, senior vice president, Macromedia. "Flex is going to create a renaissance in enterprise application development."
The Flex presentation server is designed to help development teams deliver rich Internet applications in scenarios where traditional page-based HTML applications are inadequate. Examples include rich visual data dashboards, online product selection and configuration tools and customer self-service applications. These applications are multi-step processes that involve visualisation techniques, immediate user feedback and local processing that are difficult if not impossible to deliver in HTML. The Flex application framework offers an extensible and customisable class library of pre-built components, effects, behaviours and layout managers for creating more effective experiences for these uses.
(GB)