Today, Adobe released version 5 of its popular Creative Suite (CS5) software, including a feature that will allow Flash developers to create native Apple iPad and iPhone applications without using Objective C. This in spite of attacks from Apple.
Dreamweaver CS5 and Flash Professional CS5 also include Omniture integrations so that web developers can better test sites during development and offer more complete analytics integration after launch. Other new features include PHP support in Dreamweaver, expanded Flash Builder integration, and an online tool called Browser Lab that makes it easier to test projects across browsers.
CS5 Web Premium, which includes Dreamweaver, Flash Professional, Photoshop Extended, Illustrator, Fireworks, Flash Catalyst, and Flash Builder, will retail for $1,799.00 and will begin shipping within 30 days.
Packager for iPhone
During a web launch presentation, Adobe emphasized CS5's ability to create content for many platforms, including the popular iPhone.
Using a feature called Packager, developers can now create rich applications in Flash Professional and Flash Builder (think Flex) and output those applications in the iPad and iPhone's native .ipa file format without having to learn Objective C. Flash Professional also makes it easier to submit applications to Apple for distribution in the iPhone App Store.
One note of caution, Apple did say late last week that it might not accept applications that were not originally written in its native format. How Apple would identify these Flash-based applications is not clear, and whether it can enforce the rule in the face of a developer community that wants the service is not clear. Apple's aim seems to be to make it harder to develop applications that run on more than one platform. Put simply, if developers could make an application that runs well on iPhone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry, and Palm webOS, Apple might lose its grip on the app market and no longer be able to differentiate based on application availability. Some blog posts indicated that some developers were considering lawsuits against Apple if it refused applications based on which tool set was used to create those applications. Adobe might also be able to sue.
Adobe said that it planned to release versions of Packager for Android, BlackBerry, and Palm webOS smart phone applications as they became available.
Omniture Integration
Adobe acquired web analytics and measurement firm Omniture late in 2009 and apparently wasted no time integrating Omniture's suite of solutions.
"By offering integration with Omniture solutions in our Dreamweaver and Flash tools, we’re providing web professionals and marketers with actionable, real-time intelligence about their online business,” said John Loiacono, senior vice president and general manager of Creative Solutions at Adobe. “We’re helping web pros not only stay competitive but also reach the maximum audience by giving them the capabilities to deliver content across operating systems, browsers and multiple devices with a stunning set of Flash tools."
Although Adobe was not completely clear on the point, it seemed that users would need to separately purchase Omniture services to actually take advantage of the integration.
Improved Dreamweaver PHP Support
Dreamweaver CS5 should be able to significantly speed up PHP-based development for sites using a complex template structure like Magento, for example. Essentially, Dreamweaver can automatically discover related page templates, so that a user can quickly find all related PHP and XML files without sorting through a massive file hierarchy. Dreamweaver also offers a "Live View" preview of PHP-driven pages calling in resources from other PHP files and rendering those pages with the help of your web server.
Dreamweaver CS5 even includes an extension for Adobe Business Catalyst, which is a business services solution that allows developers to private label a software-as-a-service (SaaS) ecommerce platform and hosting service. Freelance developers with a Business Catalyst account can create significant recurring income by serving not just as the website's developer, but also as the hosting company and SaaS reseller.
Finally, according to Adobe, Dreamweaver's PHP features include "support for popular third-party PHP-based content management systems like Drupal, Joomla, and WordPress."
CS Live Online Services
Adobe is offering some additional services like a cross-browser comparison tool on its new online service CS Live. CS5 users will get complimentary access to CS Live for a limited time, after which the online tools will be sold on a subscription basis. CS Live also includes a client collaboration tool and some Omniture solutions.
