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.
See a demonstration of how eBay is building an Apollo application to engage customers
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.
Get the Apollo Runtime 
Discuss Apollo in the Labs ForumsThe 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.
Run Apollo Applications
Follow these steps to get started with experiencing Apollo applications:
- Download the Apollo runtime
- Review the installation instructions and install the Apollo runtime
- Download and experience the Apollo applications featured in the Showcase Gallery
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Ask questions and share your feedback in the Apollo discussion forum.
Please note that your submission of comments, ideas, feature requests and techniques on this and other Adobe maintained forums, as well as Adobe's right to use such materials, is governed by the Terms of Use.
Develop Apollo Applications
Follow these steps to get started with developing Apollo applications:
- Familiarize yourself with Apollo by reading the Introducing Apollo article.
- Read the Apollo developer FAQ
- Download and install the Apollo SDK, documentation, and sample applications
- If you're interested in using Adobe® Flex™, download Flex 2.0.1.
- Read the developer-focused articles and tutorials in the Labs wiki
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Ask questions and share your feedback within the community forums.
FAQ
- What is the Adobe Apollo Alpha?
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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.
- Why an Apollo Alpha?
- To put it simply, Apollo is unfinished. We want to make it available to you now, so you can tell us what you like, and what you'd like better, so you can help us shape it into the solution that users and developers need. Future releases will provide more stability, more desktop integration, enhanced support for AJAX developers, and other capabilities based on your feedback.
- How does Apollo differ from Adobe Flash Player or a web browser?
- A web browser allows users to view and interact with web pages and applications located on a website accessed through a network. Adobe Flash Player is the high-performance, lightweight runtime client for delivering RIAs inside of the browser. Neither Adobe Flash Player nor web browsers allow developers to build desktop applications using web technologies.
System Requirements
These system requirements apply to the alpha release of Apollo. Additional configurations and systems will be supported in future releases.
Windows
Win Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) or Vista Home premium edition
Macintosh
Mac OSX 10.4.8 on PPC or Intel
Release Notes
The current public release of Apollo is alpha quality. For detailed support information, including a list of known issues, please review the release notes document.
