Adobe announced that the first applications based on the Adobe Air and Adobe Flex software have been deployed by brand-name companies like eBay and Yahoo.

The Adobe technology platform for rich Internet applications (RIAs) enables companies to create new types of engaging experiences for their customers, partners, and employees.

The RIAs blur the line between desktop and online applications. This is thought to be the future for applications. Microsoft's answer to that trend is Silverlight.

AOL, eBay, The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., The New York Times Company, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group’s Nick.com, Sharp Corporation and others today launched applications deployed on Adobe AIR. See them on Adobe AIR showcase site.