have entered a partnership that allows developers to create rich Internet and desktop applications in the cloud. The partnership is just one more example of how an ecosystem is developing between Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) vendors and application developers.
In recent weeks Salesforce.com has partnered with a host of companies, including Box.net last week and an integration with Cisco earlier this month.
The partnership with Adobe means that users may create enterprise applications on the Force.com platform.
Developers may create applications that are launched through a browser using Adobe Flash technology or on the desktop using Adobe Air.
This is intriguing. We’ve seen a number of consumer application developed using Adobe Air, including Tweetdeck, the rich Twitter application that has grown immensely in popularity. The partnership with Salesforce.com means that developers may create similar applications through the integration of third-party API’s that may provide another means for enterprise customers to create their own social applications.
We know there are any variety of ways to create applications for the enterprise but the relationship between Adobe and Saleforce.com demonstrates how easy it is becoming to create rich applications for specific, business purposes.
The simplicity is evident in the way developers create applications using Adobe Flash Builder. It’s as simple as drag and drop to add such features as calendars, grids, charts, buttons and all the other elements to make the user interface compelling for the user.
On the desktop, the data is synced to the Salesforce.com environment via an API, creating an integrated platform for users.
Remember how third-party applications accelerated Facebook’s growth? A similar model is emerging in the SasS world. Applications are making SaaS platfoms rich integrated environments, tailored to the business user. Development is far easier than ever before, making it possible to create tools that can enrich the experience for the user by viewing data in ways that helps them take faster action without the need for an IT administrator or analyst to present it in a way that makes sense.
The release preview for Adobe Flash Builder is available at force.com. The product will be fully available in the first half of 2010.
