How Software is Built

I talked recently with the guys that are running 'How Software is Built'. Interesting set of topics they have been talking about with a number of technology folks - take a look at my interview here

Adobe Flash

God knows I've used Windows Media for a long time - but over the last 2 weeks I've been really wondering if the announcement that Adobe made opening up the Flash format and removing licensing costs for devices is a really big deal:

From: Adobe
- Removing restrictions on use of the SWF and FLV/F4V specifications
- Publishing the device porting layer APIs for Adobe Flash Player
- Publishing the Adobe Flash® Cast™ protocol and the AMF protocol for robust data services
- Removing licensing fees - making next major releases of Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR for devices free

The more I've thought about this the bigger I think this is in just 'ending' the format war we've had over the years. For Microsoft I wonder if Silverlight is coming to market simply two years too late?

Once the CE device users start to use this given the momentum that Flash already has.

Granted, Adobe needs to do a lot on the delivery side as FMS media server, to be polite, needs some work.