FlashICT.net

Didn’t take long! If you look at ‘about this site’ on the new impressive looking Adobe Motion Design site you’ll see the following listed:

It has to be fairly obvious that the main product line will be as is shown in the above image. It is certainly a powerful product line and probably what most web design professionals will already use. Nevertheless, I’m not sure Adobe will kill of Fireworks entirely. I think they’ll either integrate Fireworks features into Photoshop, or even keep Fireworks as a ‘web-only’ graphics option. I’m a great fan of Fireworks, but more because I personally find it a really accessible and useful web graphics tool. I simply haven’t ever made extensive use of Photoshop.

The above lineup also has the makings of an excellent educational product - I hope Adobe continue Macromedia’s tradition of offering educational site licences as well as individual educational licences. Anything that enables schools to teach Flash, Dreamweaver and Photoshop will prepare students incredibly well for the world of work. That will be an extremely positive outcome of the merger, erm.. takeover. !

Adobe Flash just sounds a little odd. I suppose Macromedia Flash sounded a little odd when Macromedia first purchased FutureWave FutureSplash. Onwards and upwards I guess

In a day where they have been many blogs from ex-Macromedia employees it looks like many are being taken on as Adobe employees or have opted to go their own way. Blogs also mention that those who have been laid off are in demand elsewhere due to their Macromedia credidentials. It is a real shame to see Macromedia staff having to go through troubled times, but at least their Macromedia status provides them with an excellent CV. The fact that Adobe are continuing to employ Fireworks product designers means there has to be some hope.