Adobe Unveils Flash Media Server 3.5 Software

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Flash® Media Interactive Server 3.5 software and Adobe Flash Media Streaming Server 3.5 software, two key components of the Adobe Flash Platform, the de facto standard for delivering breakthrough interactive content, applications, and video on the Web. The new servers include new media delivery options, such as: dynamic streaming; enhanced H.264 video and High Efficiency AAC (HE-AAC) audio support; and the ability to pause and seek within a live stream. These innovations improve the quality of video delivered over the Web and offer richer interactive experiences for users. The new versions, which are being showcased at Adobe MAX North America in San Francisco, advance the company’s leadership in rich media and open significant new opportunities for content owners delivering interactive and social media applications.

“As a long-time partner of Adobe, we are pleased to enable these industry-leading features for broadcast quantity audiences around the world through our scalable content delivery platform.”

“The Adobe Flash Platform is taking the media world by storm and transforming the way content is delivered and consumed,” said Jim Guerard, vice president and general manager of Dynamic Media at Adobe. “Immersive user experiences attract new audiences and help publishers to more effectively build businesses around their unique content. Thanks to the Flash Platform, viewers worldwide can look forward to even more content coming online and being able to view it across different browsers, operating systems and devices.”

81 Percent Worldwide Market Share of Online Video

The Adobe Flash Media Server family of solutions enables instant-on, seamless viewer experiences, extending average viewing times so that companies can boost brand awareness and more effectively monetize their content. According to the independent research firm comScore, 81 percent of worldwide online videos are viewed using Adobe Flash technology, making it the number one format for video on the Web. Adobe Flash Player software is already installed on 98 percent of Internet-connected desktops and a growing number of mobile devices, enabling publishers to rest assured that content will reliably reach audiences on the platform of their choice.

Building on the Capabilities of the Flash Media Server Product Line

New features and functionality in both servers include: dynamic streaming to provide end-users with a broadcast-quality, uninterrupted viewing experience; improved content protection; and the ability to stream live and on-demand content with H.264 video files. Media encrypted with the Adobe Flash Media Rights Management Server software can also be streamed using RTMP and an integrated HTTP server for a complete turnkey solution to deliver comprehensive media experiences. In addition, Adobe Flash Media Interactive Server 3.5 software includes live Digital Video Recorder (DVR) functionality that enables pause and seek within a live video stream, multipoint publishing — including the ability to inject data messages into a live stream — and mobile delivery to Flash Lite™ 3, either live or on-demand.

Multiple Delivery Options Available

To deliver media using Flash Media Server 3.5 software, customers can implement their own streaming server hardware and network in-house, or partner with one of several leading content delivery network (CDN) providers that are part of the Flash Video Streaming Service (FVSS).

“In the past few years, Adobe has transformed the streaming video industry by providing content owners with a ubiquitous solution that lets them reliably deliver video to 98 percent of Internet-enabled desktops,” said Tim Napoleon, chief strategist for Digital Media at Akamai. “Adobe continues to innovate with industry-leading breakthroughs like dynamic streaming and extensive interactivity. The features in Flashe Media Server 3.5 are a huge step forward in allowing our customers to deliver rich and compelling HD video experience to consumers, as seen at www.streamflashhd.com. As a premier member of the FVSS program with the largest Flash Media Server deployment, we’re confident that the dynamic features in this new version will enhance our customer’s ability to continue pushing the limits of Flashtechnology.”

“The breakthrough innovations in Adobe Flash Media Server 3.5, such as the ability to pause and seek in a live video stream, are enabling content providers to use the Internet to deliver experiences that go beyond the traditional broadcast realm,” said Peter Coppola, vice president of product management, Limelight Networks, Inc. “As a long-time partner of Adobe, we are pleased to enable these industry-leading features for broadcast quantity audiences around the world through our scalable content delivery platform.”

Pricing and Availability

Adobe Flash Media Streaming Server 3.5 is offered at US$995. The upgrade from Adobe Flash Media Streaming Server 3.0 is available for US$249. Adobe Flash Media Interactive Server 3.5 is offered at US$4,500. An upgrade from Adobe Flash Media Interactive Server 3.0 is available for US$349. Both products can be pre-ordered today at www.adobe.com/go/fms and are expected to be available in early 2009.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information – anytime, anywhere, and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.

© 2008 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved. Adobe, the Adobe logo, Flash, Flash Player and Flash Lite are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.