The Linux community of developers can now use proven HTML, Ajax, Adobe Flash and Adobe Flex software, to build rich Internet applications (RIAs) that deploy to desktops across operating systems. RIA developers can extend the reach of their desktop applications on Adobe AIR to Linux users without writing additional platform-specific code, providing access to innovative, branded desktop applications that were previously only available to Mac and Windows users.
An update to the alpha version of Adobe Flex Builder 3 for Linux software is also available on Adobe Labs today, which adds support for creating applications that run on Adobe AIR. The combination of Flex, Adobe AIR and Adobe Flash Player 9 for Linux comprises a well supported, free RIA development platform that enables developers to build, debug and deploy RIAs entirely on Linux, and across browsers and desktops.
"Adobe is committed to delivering the technologies that enable developers everywhere to create the next generation of RIAs for the browser and the desktop," said David Wadhwani, general manager, Platform business unit at Adobe. "With the alpha release of Adobe AIR for Linux and the Adobe Flex Builder for Linux alpha update, we're delivering early releases of a first-class application runtime and RIA creation tool to the Linux community. This allows us to have an open conversation with users during our development process, which will give us very valuable developer insights."
Flex, Adobe AIR and Adobe Flash Player are key elements of the Adobe technology platform. Flex is a free, open source framework for building highly interactive, expressive RIAs that can be deployed on the desktop with Adobe AIR, or in the browser with Adobe Flash Player. Adobe Flash Player reaches over 98 percent of Internet-enabled PCs and delivers unparalleled creative options, highly engaging user experiences, stunning audio/video playback, and virtually universal reach.
The pre-release alpha version of Adobe AIR for Linux is available immediately in English as a free download from Adobe Labs.
The final version of Adobe AIR for Linux is expected later this year and will be available in other languages.
Additionally, the update to Adobe Flex Builder 3 for Linux alpha is freely available in English from Adobe Labs.
Adobe's a bit late in bringing out AIR< but nevertheless as the popular saying goes,"Better Late Than Never" 
