Macromedia, AOL bring IM capabilities to Central

Macromedia Inc. Wednesday released the developer version of Macromedia Central, a software environment that lets users access distributed information from desktop PCs and handheld devices using XML (Extensible Markup Language) and Web services. In addition, Macromedia announced the addition of instant-messaging (IM) capabilities to Central through a partnership with America Online Inc. (AOL)

Based on Macromedia Flash, Central gives users continual access to information distributed over a network or the Internet, whether or not a user is connected. Users can access the service through the installation of a Central client on a desktop PC and Macromedia has been working on support for handheld devices, it said. When a user is connected to the network, Central automatically downloads the most up-to-date information which can be accessed when the user is offline, it said.

Central also enables developers to distribute their applications through a “Try/Buy” capability, which automates the process of trying and purchasing applications, the company said.

The Central runtime environment includes application programming interfaces (APIs), a console for notifications, and “pods,” which are smaller containers for application data, and persistent agents that manage data in the background, Macromedia said.

Alongside the Developer Release of Macromedia Central announced Wednesday, Macromedia also announced the availability of an SDK (software development kit) for Central. The SDK includes user-interface components, a debug panel, Flash authoring templates, source code for sample applications, libraries of application graphics and icons, and documentation for APIs, the company said. APIs and other development tools for AOL’s IM platform will be provided in a future SDK, the company said.

This will allow developers to integrate the chat and presence capabilities of AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and ICQ with Central-based applications, Macromedia said. Developers will be able to use AOL’s IM platform to offer discussion groups, virtual classrooms and multi-party chat, it said.

Correction:Due to a reporting error and inaccurate information made available by Macromedia, this story as originally posted did not state that support for handheld devices in Macromedia Central is not yet ready and that APIs for America Online’s instant messenger platform will be offered in a future SDK (software development kit).