Adobe Integrated Runtime - AIR

Adobe launched a public beta of ‘Adobe Integrated Runtime’ (AIR) on 10 July (Before it was referred to by its code name of Apollo) and targeting the second half of 2007 for the release of Adobe AIR 1.0.

The AIR is a cross-operating system runtime being developed by Adobe that allows web developers to build and deploy web applications to the desktop. AIR is targeted at developers who are currently leveraging web technologies, such as Flash, Flex, HTML, JavaScript and Ajax techniques to build and deploy rich Internet applications.

AIR allows applications to be built using Flash, Flex and HTML , JavaScript or a combination of both. Flash based applications will be able to include HTML based content, and HTML based applications will be able to use Flash based content. In addition, Adobe AIR applications can integrate closely with PDF documents. AIR application is free to download and use.

Similar Applications:

Microsoft Silverlight - is also a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of Microsoft .NET–based media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web. Silverlight is able to make applications that blend desktop applications with internet applications.

Google Gears – Google recently released a beta version of its open source technology – Google Gears – which is a browser extension that enables web applications to provide offline functionality.

JavaFX – JavaFX from Sun Microsystems is also to create a new family of products based on Java technology designed to enable consistent user experiences, from desktop to mobile device to set-top box to Blu-ray Disc.