Macromedia Flash is a software product suite which features technology for designing and delivering animations, presentations, and websites. The ‘Flashers’, as the community often refers to Flash users, find this product extremely user friendly. Armed with Flash, designers can create compelling 2D animations, presenters can make interactive and alive presentations and web designers can experiment with movies, animations and just about any thing that makes the website become alive.

What also goes in its favor is the fact that over 95% of the desktops across the globe already have installed a Flash player with which the viewer can view the animation or movie with ease. Add to this the ability of Flash to deliver streaming audio as well as video at the same time definitely makes it a platform of choice. And one can not afford to miss the fact that the product also supports vectors, raster graphics, and ActionScript thereby making it extremely versatile in operations. It’s enhanced scripting capabilities and server-side connectivity help in creating a more interactive and engaging web experience. Many users vouch that in this aspect it is better than HTML too.

Therefore it is not surprising that Flash is today being used wherever technology has percolated. Whether it is Rich Internet Applications, or Web Publishing; Web Conferencing or E-Learning and Training, the product has been able to create tremendous value. It also delivers rich experiences across consumer devices and mobile handsets. All in all it is an excellent creative tool that can be adapted according to specific needs and requirements.

But then there are some not so positive aspects of the software when their use in Web publishing is concerned. Unlike HTML, Flash authoring software has to be purchased and as such there is not a community owned standard. Users who want to make animations or Flash banners however would be advised to look into alternative programs that can make these (and can often be had for a much cheaper price than Flash itself).

Maxine Winters recommends Flash Text Animation Builder to easily create an attractive flash banner.