Apollo is the code name for a cross-operating system runtime being developed by Adobe that allows developers to leverage their existing web development skills (Flash, Flex, HTML, JavaScript, Ajax) to build and deploy rich Internet applications (RIAs) to the desktop.
Apollo enables developers to create applications that combine the benefits of web applications – network and user connectivity, rich media content, ease of development, and broad reach – with the strengths of desktop applications – application interactions, local resource access, personal settings, powerful functionality, and rich interactive experiences.
Apollo enables familiar application interaction models, including drag-and-drop support, rich clipboard access, and desktop and system shortcuts. Furthermore, Apollo applications run as regular applications, and do not have to run within another application or shell (as web applications do by running within the browser).
This alpha version of the Apollo runtime provides developers with the opportunity to begin building applications for Apollo. Future releases will provide more stability, more desktop integration, and enhanced support for Ajax developers.
The Apollo Developer SDK, sample applications, and Apollo documentation provide everything a developer needs to start building applications. There are also technical articles, developer videos, and sample applications located throughout the Labs site.Adobe intends to provide the final release of Apollo and additional developer resources when the prerelease cycle is complete later this year.
Source: Adobe LabsÂ