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The basic question: Should we use Macromedia Flash MX for application development?
 
Frankly, there's no simpler question to answer. Yes, Macromedia Flash MX is perfect for developing dynamic applications and controlling content that loads from a database or a data source. Unlike HTML, you can configure and save Macromedia Flash MX files as self-contained, stand-alone applications that you can distribute to users from a website or CD-ROM. Most importantly, Macromedia Flash MX is a powerful new tool in your web development toolbox.

For example, Medeco High Security Locks came to New City Media looking for help developing an "executable" application that would replace an outdated cam lock configuration card that had circulated for years. The application had to be data-driven, easy to update, and capable of operating independent of a web connection—basically, the requirements excluded HTML as a solution by itself.

Since the original inspiration was a printed configuration card, Medeco looked to New City Media to create something that they could easily distribute on CD-ROM business cards or over the web.

Of course, traditional application development is expensive and time consuming, especially if it requires network connections for data retrieval. But for web developers at New City Media, Macromedia Flash MX was a flexible solution; its designers could create applications that were traditionally developed by seasoned Visual Basic programmers.

Bottom line: if you want to convince your firm's decision makers that Macromedia Flash MX is the way to go, consider the following:

 
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Start small: Use Macromedia Flash MX for HTML page elements, or simple illustrative animations on your website. Then, work up to navigation and major application development. Over time, your firm's decision makers will warm up to the idea of using Macromedia Flash MX.
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Start at the grassroots level: Sometimes, clients drive the technology in a project. You may seek forward-looking clients who want an advanced solution for their application. If your client is not familiar with Macromedia Flash MX, you must communicate with the customer about his needs and inform them about your Flash MX development strategy.
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Teach yourself and look for external sources: Buy books, visit resource sites, and study other developer's code for additional knowledge, and use it. The best way to get started is by using ActionScript to build a Flash MX project. The Macromedia Flash Development Center / offers excellent resource to learn this skill.
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Look for a foothold: Suggest Macromedia Flash MX as an alternative for solving complicated or difficult problems. For New City Media, Macromedia Flash MX was an ideal alternative to using DHTML and other development tools that produce unpredictable results from browser-to-browser and platform-to-platform.
 
The next section covers the topic: Will clients pay for Macromedia Flash MX and like it?
 
 
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