Adobe updates Flex, one tool, one framework and one code base that run on Web, desktops, smartphones and tablets

A few days ago Adobe released updated models of two of their tools, Flash Builder and Flex have been updated to version 4.5.1, boosting mobile application development support. The updated products support development of applications for various tech, Android, BlackBerry, RIM PlayBook and Apple iOS-based devices. The new upgraded versions of Flash Builder and Flex now cover all major mobile OSs for the first time with Flash Builder 4.5.1 and Flex 4.5.1.

Adobe said in a statement:

Using Flash Builder and Flex, enterprises can now use one tool, one framework and one code base to create high-performance applications that run on the Web and desktops as well as smartphones and tablets.

Flex Builder is Eclipse-based whilst Flex is an open source framework. Adobe is also set to roll out their Adobe Digital Enterprise Platform which is aimed to "customer experience management" and leverages Adobe tools and runtimes for HTML5, Flash, Flex, AIR and PDF. The cost of the platform's various major components usually start in the $100,000 range. Rob Pinkerton, Adobe senior director of product marketing for customer experience management says that Adobe's rollout provides "one unified platform for developing customer experience applications."

This new update can now have solutions to be provided across social, Web, mobile and print channels. This allows specific products to be enabled by the platform that can assist digital marketers in driving personalized experiences for multichannel marketing communications and campaigns both online and offline. Content for use with Adobe Digital Enterprise Platform can be created with Adobe Creative Suite, while analytics can be provided via Adobe Online Marketing Suite.

Products in the Digital Enterprise Platform - some of which were previous announced - include:

Integrated Content Review, for marketing campaigns and customer experiences

Web Experience Management, for developing and publishing rich content across Web, social, mobile, and email channels

Social Brand Engagement, for enterprises to engage with customers

Selection and Enrollment, intended to reduce online abandonment and time-to-market by offering engaging offline and online product enrollment experiences

Unified Workspace, empowering customer-facing agents to span information sources for fast access to critical information

Customer Communications, intended to improve customer loyalty by centralizing and managing the development and delivery of interactive correspondence and interactive statements

However, the Integrated Content Review, Customer Communications and Web Experience Management modules are available Monday, while the other three ship later this year.