Adobe AIR Shop - Shop, Purchase, Buy - Online

If you've ever wanted to develop, create, or use Internet applications in a desktop environment, then you might just be interested in Adobe AIR. Adobe AIR is a run-time that is intended to create a seamless transition between the Internet and desktop environments. AIR stands for Adobe Integrated Runtime, and it can run on any operating system, combining HTML, Ajax, Flash, and Flex. And while you can purchase services and programs created with Adobe AIR, the runtime is actually free for developers and users from Adobe's website.

Included in the Adobe AIR package is the webKit HTML renderer, meaning web-like content can be displayed on the desktop. Adobe AIR serves a very useful purpose in that it does not require a browser to run applications, despite the fact that it uses existing web technologies. The Rich Internet Applications created in Adobe AIR are intended to be a hybrid of the best features of web-based applications and desktop applications. Adobe AIR also makes it possible for businesses to provide the user with software that does not necessarily need to be downloaded.

The best thing about Adobe AIR is that web-applications need not be only web-based any longer. Rich Internet Applications can be downloaded to the desktop without a loss in functionality or performance. Your favorite online shops such as Ebay have already started to use AIR to bring you improved service. Perhaps you can even start developing your own Adobe AIR applications to use on your desktop!

Source:howstuffworks.com
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