Understanding the Basic Concepts of Adobe AIR (Adobe Integrated Runtime)

Adobe® AIR™ is the runtime for desktop based• Flex Builder 3
Rich Internet Applications that run on multipleAIR has a couple of benefits that you only get with
operating systems. AIR stands for Adobe Integrateda traditional desktop application, including:
Runtime. In addition to the features available in the• Cross platform application runtime.
Flash player, AIR provides an additional API that• The ability to run while disconnected from the
makes development of very rich and interactiveinternet.
desktop applications possible in a relatively shorter• Cost-effective technology, so development and
time compared to most other developmentdeployment are rapid and low risk.
platforms.• Leverage existing web technologies and
Adobe AIR is simple, easy to learn and a costprogramming languages.
effective technology which leverages the existing• Adobe AIR applications allow native desktop
technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript Ajax,integration (i.e. support for drag/drop, notifications,
Adobe Flash, and Adobe Flex to create applicationsclipboard support, etc...)
that run on the desktop.  The foremost strength of• Portability and ease of deployment.
AIR is that can work in tandem with your existing• Adobe AIR as part of your RIA strategy
web applications to deliver branded rich Internetincrease productivity, improved customer satisfaction,
applications outside the browser which don'tlower costs, boost profits and extending your
necessarily requires a browser to work.market reach.
Adobe allows AIR application Development in three• Allows enhanced features and interactivity.
ways to build applications:• Ability to access local data and files with an
• Adobe AIR extension for Dreamweaver CS4embedded database.
• Adobe AIR update for Flash CS4 Professional