I just wanted to offer some clarification on the new buzz word “Platform”. When I read Cathy’s earlier post it sounded like a new product launch. While Flash 8 (code named 8-ball) is due out later this year, Flash Platform is simply a marketing spin on current technology. Macromedia is framing the way we look at Flash, so that it appears to be the cornerstone of all the rich media solutions that a company could possibly need.

Personally I applaud the marketing people for trying to position one of my favorite software products in this manner. Flash has always suffered from the perception that it is the cool animation you see on the splash page and nothing more. Many of us know better, but the corporate world sometimes misinterprets the scope of it’s capabilities. “Flash Platform” implies that the technology has grown up and become a foundation for rich internet applications. I agree.