Macromedia Pushes Flex with New Builder Tool

Designed to accelerate Internet application development, including interface layout, coding, debugging and deployment, Flex Builder offers a design view for visual interface layout, an MXML and ActionScript code editor, and debugging capabilities.

"We're seeing a renaissance in enterprise application development that has been catalyzed by Flex and is now moving into the mainstream," said David Mendels, senior vice president, Macromedia. "The applications Flex users have deployed are turning heads around the world and extending the boundaries of what was previously thought possible, both in user experience and development workflow."

Organizations can use Flex to add interfaces to many kinds of strategic applications, including visual data dashboards, streamlined shopping carts that help users navigate e-commerce tasks, and customer self-service applications that reduce call-center traffic.

"The application integrates with CRM and ERP systems, as well as our Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL) database, and will help us significantly reduce end-user training time," said Anwar Jiwani, chief information officer, Zones. "Flex enables us to deliver an application that streamlines our critical sales processes in a way that just wasn't possible with traditional Web technology."

Pricing information on Macromedia Flex is available at macromedia.com/go/flex/. Flex Builder licenses are included with purchase of Macromedia Flex Presentation Server.