What is Adobe® AIR™? Adobe AIR is a cross-operating system runtime that lets developers combine HTML, Ajax, Adobe Flash®, and Flex technologies to deploy rich Internet applications (RIAs) on the desktop. Adobe AIR allows developers to use familiar tools such as Adobe Dreamweaver® , Flex® Builder™, Flash Professional, or any text editor to build their applications and easily deliver a single application installer that works across operating systems.

With this technology we can create programs to match Java and. Net, but with a lot more quickly because we have the advantage of using different frameworks to develop it.

Imagine an application that can be installed on Windows, Linux and Mac, without having to make different versions.

What operating systems does Adobe AIR run on?
Adobe AIR is available for Microsoft® Windows® 2000; Windows XP; Windows Vista® Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise; Mac OS X v10.4 or 10.5; and Linux®.

With the Adobe® AIR™ runtime, you can deliver branded rich Internet applications outside the browser that give you a closer connection to your customer.

SAMPLES

Adobe AIR uses the same proven, cost-effective technologies used to build web applications, so development and deployment is rapid and low risk. You can use your existing web development resources to create engaging, branded applications that run on all major desktop operating systems.

The benefits are extensive. By using Adobe AIR as part of your RIA strategy, you can boost productivity, extend your market reach, enhance customer satisfaction, improve customer retention, lower costs, and increase profits.

Source: Adobe Air-FAQ