The update to Adobe Flash Media Server software includes enhancements all three versions: Flash Media Streaming Server 4, Flash Media Interactive Server 4, and Flash Media Enterprise Server 4.
(WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) — Adobe Systems Incorporated (www.adobe.com) has launched the latest major version of its solution for streaming video and real-time communication Adobe Flash Media Server 4 software.
Announced at the IBC 2010 conference and exhibition (www.ibc.org), the Media Server 4 suite is designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized publishers up to large enterprise deployments. The updated suite includes three versions: Flash Media Streaming Server 4, Flash Media Interactive Server 4, and Flash Media Enterprise Server 4. All versions now leverage the full benefits of 64-bit operating systems, providing nearly unlimited memory range to increase caching capacity, deliver more advanced interactive services and increase the quality of service.
Enterprise Server 4 is the first release of its kind to include peer-assisted networking with Real Time Media Flow Protocol (RTMFP), drastically reducing bandwidth usage by enabling users to connect and communicate directly with each other, bypassing the data flow through Flash Media server itself.
“The release of Flash Media Sever 4 software changes the game for the delivery of rich interactive media,” Adobe creative and interactive solutions senior vice president David Wadhwani said in a statement. “By introducing a new enterprise server with peer-assisted networking and our RTMFP, we are transforming the way enterprise organizations and social media companies deliver rich interactive content by reducing the bandwidth costs associated with media delivery. The Adobe Flash Platform continues to set new standards in the delivery of compelling content to the widest possible audience.”
These new versions are part of Adobe’s efforts to hold its leading position in the rich media delivery segment, which has been under attack lately because of technology provider Apple (www.apple.com) barring mobile software developers from using Flash for applications in Apple’s App Store. On Thursday, however, Apple overturned its policy, enabling developers to covert programs written with Flash technology for the App Store, rather than having having to recode them using a competing standard such as HTML5.
This new major release, Adobe said, adds significant new opportunities for content owners who want to deliver high quality, efficient media experiences that reach the broadest possible audience, across any screen.
Adobe Flash Media Streaming Server 4 is available for $995, and Adobe Flash Media Interactive Server for $4,500. Pricing information for Adobe Flash Media Enterprise Server 4 was not provided in the announcement.
