Adobe Microsoft and Sun compete

I would like to address a couple really interesting comments from last weeks blog.

Dear Marcelo Paiva,

I highly doubt Microsoft will ever make a version of Expression for the Mac because they did in fact never release Visual Studio for the Mac. Then again, I never thought Microsoft would release Office 2007 for the Mac and they did.

Adobe leading the revolution

For those of you unfamiliar with Apollo, “it’s a cross-OS runtime that allows developers to leverage their existing web development skills (Flash, Flex, HTML, Ajax) to build and deploy desktop RIA’s”. Ebay has already utilized this Adobe tool, and it looks truly fascinating. I recommend watching this Apollo Demo.

I believe Apollo and Silverlight will become heated rivals. I’m interested to see who comes out on top. Along with the similarities come differences too; Apollo is application based, and Silverlight is web based.

Sun maintains its ancestral roots

JavaFX simplifies the development of rich Internet applications that run on a variety of platforms. Java is branded as the multi-platform programming language commonly used for handheld devices because of its famous performance and miniature file size. JavaFX comes in 2 flavors: Script and Mobile.

JavaFX Script uses Java technology to create content rich applications and services for desktops, set-top boxes and Blu-ray DVDs, mobile devices, and more.

JavaFX Mobile is a pre-integrated software system for advanced mobile devices. It’s designed for network-based services and it’s cutting edge stuff for the latest Mobiles.

Sun has a very impressive program but it doesn’t compete with Flash, Apollo, or Silverlight. Not because it’s inferior, but because its in different category altogether.

Silverlight lights up the web

“Microsoft’s Silverlight is a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of .NET based media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web“. It supports AJAX, VB, C#, Python, and Ruby. Microsoft has already implemented Silverlight into their toolbar to simulate a vista style layout. Silverlight is in many ways similar to Adobe’s Flash Player, but more refined. They both play media, but Silverlight isn’t restricted to one dialect, it understands a large variety of programming languages and that’s what sets apart the men from the boys.

Dear John,

I decided to download the trial version of Microsoft Expression. To set your mind at ease, I personally disliked it. CS3 and Expression are completely different suites. Granted they both have web development tools, Adobe has simply reached a state of perfection. It is my unprofessional opinion that Expression is noticeably inferior in many ways. Don’t quote me on that just yet. I’m going to continue evaluating and report back later.

I realize Adobe’s creative suite is gouging consumer wallets but you really do get what you pay for. I’ve also downloaded CS3 trials and I am thrilled with the experience. I run dual core, and previous versions were emulated and painfully slow. The rewrite to support multiple cores in every Adobe product increased my speed and efficiency significantly. Hundreds of new functions have been added to satisfy the empty pocketed customer.

If you are a freelancer on a budget, Adobe does offer upgrade costs. A new version does seem to emerge ever year, but often it’s worth the upgrade. I recommend downloading the trial before any purchase. It’s just common sense.

Microsoft’s Expression Studio vs Adobe’s CS

Normally I would discuss personal matters first but I’m just too damn excited. As a part of the Vista Campaign, Microsoft Expression Studio code named “Sparkle” was released. With four unique products (Web, Blend, Design, and Media), it’s really giving Abode a run for their money. I have done a lot of research on this topic and I have one thing to say:

“Dear Microsoft,

Please Make a Mac version.

Thank you.”

With that out of the way, It’s nice to see Microsoft getting more involved with the design scene. It’s even better to see the price. With a retail value of $599 USD, it blows Adobe CS3’s thousand dollar price tags out of the water.

A little about Vista and it’s Expression

Microsoft Vista’s graphics sub system (Avalon) has replaced Window XP’s API system. Developers can now use Microsoft’s Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML) to communicate with Avalon. Expression is a tool used to create XAML and .Net applications. In other words, with Vista and Expression Studio you can add cool features and functions to existing applications.

Product Talk

Expression Design is a lot like Adobe Flash. The object is to create vector based content for the web, applications, or media. Microsoft’s new jewel features flexible vector drawing, dynamic live effects, and expanded workflows.

Expression Blend is a tool to create next generation programs. The idea is to import images created with Expression Design and seamlessly create amazing applications. Blend features efficient collaboration, tools for creativity and codeless interactivity.

Expression Web is a refined version of Adobe Dreamweaver. It creates “Standards-based” web sites using a sophisticated CSS-based layout and formatting Technique. It also has a rich data presentation and powerful server technology.

Finally, Expression Media = Adobe Bridge, enough said.

Is this the end for Adobe?

The term “Flash Killer” has been tossed around and at this point I’m not really sure what to expect. While Flash has been the foundation of the web community these past few years, it might be time for a revamp. Flash is a great cross platform tool that allows simple and easy workflow on the web, but Microsoft new Silverlight looks exceptionally capable.

I’m interested to see what happens next. I feel truly blessed to be involved in what could be the next Internet Revolution. I predict that 10 years down the road, Microsoft will consume the web. What about other big business like Google you say? You obviously haven’t tried “Live Search” my friend

We love Adobe

Hello world!

My name is Justin Bull, and since this is my first web log I will begin by presenting who I am and what I’m doing here. To start, I’m a student at BCIT in Burnaby, B.C. Canada. I’m in my 3rd week here taking the New Media and Web Design course. From what I hear this is one of the best courses offered in Canada. I recently moved into the Vancouver area because it’s closer than the small town in which I resided beforehand. I’m adjusting well despite the fact that I just moved away from everyone and everything I knew.

This web log was created to inform the reader of upcoming events, galleries, and anything related to New Media and Web Design. I will also post my personal portfolio to share with the public my opinions and concepts of art. So to start off I’d like to discuss the latest and greatest:

Adobe Overview:

CS3 Launched last week and it is said to be their biggest release yet! Adobe’s merge with Macromedia a few years back left many of us wondering: “what’s next?” To answer that question, Dreamweaver has now replaced GoLive! Adobe has completed a very difficult task; Update every Product at once and release 6 new Suites. Flash was made available in every suite except for Design Standard, and Acrobat 8 is finally available in the Standard Editions! InDesign is available in the Design Suit and Fireworks in the Web Suite. Get excited all you want, but Adobe’s new line up hasn’t gotten any cheaper. From 1,199$ to 2,499$ US, Adobe offers solutions in Design, Web Development, and Media Production for those with a thick wallet.

The anticipation is over for some but not for all. Adobe’s Acrobat 8 was release too early according to my Adobe Instructor. With at least 10 or more major malfunctions, most larger companies and classrooms have decided to stick with the more stable and reliable Acrobat 7. The biggest problem I can see is that Adobe’s Creative Suit doesn’t have much of a community. There are very few Plug-ins that actually work!

As I was surfing the web doing some research, I found this company that produces Adobe CS3 compliant plug-ins. Alienskin.com has some pretty cool looking universal third part applications. It is defiantly worth checking out!

Finally, how about those new logos! I personally find them useful when trying to locate them in the dock. Instead of searching by color, it’s done alphanumerically. Adobe has always been a fan of the “less is more” approach.