Over the past several years, Almer/Blank has created some outstanding experiences, for a wide variety of top-tier firms, using multiple technologies. In this time, we have become particularly associated with Adobe Flash Platform technologies. Indeed, I have been working with Flash since 1999, and I watched the technology evolve from a primitive but useful animation tool, to an amazingly powerful platform underpinning awe-inspiring experiences featuring HD video, real 3D and amazing interactivity.

In the past 18 months, we made many representations to clients and prospective clients about the value proposition offered by Adobe’s Flash Platform technology, particularly with respect to mobile and pan-screen workflows, from design through production and distribution. We made these statements and representations, in good faith, based on publicly-stated, forward-looking representations from a publicly-traded firm — the fourth largest software publisher in the world.

However, given Adobe’s recent announcements, it's clear that a new era in the online frontier is rapidly unfolding before us. As we all embark on the next phase of this journey, we enter a turbulent period filled with both uncertainties and frustrations but also filled with new opportunities. We, at Almer/Blank, welcome this challenge as we are accustomed to being at the forefront of this kind of volatility.

Moving forward into 2012, we will expand our focus on native-language application development for devices and desktops, in Objective C for iOS, Java for Android and C for desktops — as well as specialized tools like Unity for more intensive gaming. Additionally, we will apply our extensive knowledge of Flash Platform technology to assisting clients in the process of migrating from Flash in their digital presence should they so desire.

The support to Flash that Almer/Blank has long provided through the LA Flash community, and the Rich Media Institute, will now be balanced with other community activities. First among these is a new website that Almer/Blank Labs will shortly launch, to facilitate the process of firms and Flash talent migrating to new technologies.

We are still experts in Flash Platform technologies, and we will continue to provide Flash consulting and development services — but moving forward, we will no longer make that our primary focus.

As always, Almer/Blank is devoted to creating outstanding digital experiences, for any intended audience, on any required hardware — and we will continue to employ whatever technologies are most effective at achieving those goals. On that front, nothing has changed — and it never will.