Macromedia launches Flash Communication Server MX in India

MUMBAI: Macromedia, Inc. has announced the immediate availability of Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX in India, the first server to unite communications and applications. The new server integrates support for streaming media, real-time collaboration, and multi-way video, audio and text messaging into a single solution.

The server also leverages the authoring environment of Macromedia Flash MX and broad distribution of Macromedia Flash Player, as well as the powerful capabilities of the entire Macromedia MX product family.

With Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX, developers can easily add communication and collaboration capabilities into their websites and rich Internet applications. The server enables the creation of a whole new generation of Internet communication solutions.

With streaming media and live, human interactions integrated directly into existing websites, companies can offer innovative product marketing, stock information, online learning, and sales communications information within one integrated user experience. Designed as an open development platform, the server enables completely custom solutions and integrates easily with existing web and application server infrastructure.

On the client, the communication server takes advantage of Macromedia Flash Player 6 to receive and transmit video, audio and data. Macromedia Flash Player automatically recognizes installed microphones and standard USB or FireWire webcams, and lets end users grant or deny access before anything is broadcast. Macromedia Flash Player 6 has the fastest adoption rate of any player in Macromedia's history.

For development, the communication server includes new extensions to the Macromedia Flash MX authoring environment, which include new authoring, scripting, and debugging capabilities as well as pre-built components for login, multi-way chat screens, white boards, and video conferencing.

Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX works with other Macromedia MX products including Macromedia Studio MX for development and Macromedia ColdFusion MX for deployment. In addition, the new server can integrate with Java and Microsoft .NET application servers and other web infrastructure.

Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX, which runs on Windows, is available for immediate download from the Macromedia Online Store (www.macromedia.com/store/). Pricing is Rs 25,000 for the Personal Edition and starts at Rs 2,25,000 for the Professional Edition.

The Professional Edition includes a one-year software subscription. Content and applications for the server can be authored using Macromedia Flash MX on either the Macintosh or Windows platforms. Education and volume licensing is available.