Macromedia has released a new version of their Shockwave development tool, Shockwave Multiuser Server 2. Shockwave Multiuser 2 allows developers to develop multiuser online applications like chat rooms. The new version includes many improvements and other new features. According to Macromedia:
Macromedia, Inc. (Nasdaq: MACR) today announced the availability of the Shockwave(TM) Multiuser Server 2, the solution for delivering online multimedia communities and connected entertainment. The server enables Web users to collaborate and communicate in real-time through rich, dynamic Shockwave content created with Macromedia's Director(R) 7 Shockwave(TM) Internet Studio, the standard for creating and delivering powerful multimedia. The Shockwave Multiuser Server 2, which simplifies the deployment and extends the functionality of multiuser applications, is an update to the multiuser server that ships with the Director 7 Shockwave Internet Studio and is available as a free upgrade to registered users.
Director and the Shockwave Multiuser Server enable developers to create rich Web destinations that include collaborative features -- such as real-time messaging, chat rooms, white board discussions, auctions and multiplayer games. Macromedia's Shockwave Multiuser Server, included with the studio, makes it easy for developers to get started -- simply launching the application on an intranet enables development of 50-user applications right out of the box. Shockwave multiuser content can also be deployed to hundreds of thousands of users with HearMe's POP.X Shockwave Server. According to a recent NPD study, Shockwave content can be immediately viewed by a majority of Web users.
Shockwave Multiuser Server 2 includes new features that enable Shockwave applications to share data more efficiently with new server runtime attributes, as well as new server commands that provide easier scripting when creating multiuser Shockwave applications. New database objects allow storage of persistent data more efficiently, which can contain member profiles for personalization, high scores and other game state, or collaborative creations. In addition, no new version of Macromedia Director or the Shockwave Player is required to create or experience this enhanced multiuser functionality.
The Shockwave Multiuser Server 2 is more powerful than before, but retains the simplicity that allows developers to provide community applications that range from basic chat to connected multimedia experiences. Using Director 7 Shockwave Internet Studio, Web developers can now deliver chat applications on their Web sites that can be configured and customized far more rapidly and inexpensively than other widely used chat technologies. An example of a Shockwave multiuser chat room launched today at www.multiuserzone.com, which was developed by Macromedia and Construct. The source code for the chat room is available for download.
Macromedia and HearMe will provide a free hosting service to enable developers to immediately test their multiuser applications. HearMe's POP.X Shockwave Server targets large deployments of multiuser Shockwave content. The POP.X server handles all the system management details so Web site developers can focus on building the experience, instead of the underlying delivery system. More than 108 million Web users -- over 51 percent of people online -- can immediately view Shockwave content, according to a recent independent study. Macromedia Flash(TM) and Shockwave are the leading technologies for streaming, interactive media on the Web, according to an October 1999 survey conducted by NPD Online Research. Macromedia Shockwave and Flash Players are free Web players that work together to bring you the best content on the Web. Each has a distinct purpose. Flash Player delivers fast-loading, high-impact Web sites and user interfaces with graphics, sound, animation and interactivity. Shockwave Player delivers interactive multimedia product demos and training, e-merchandising applications, and rich-media multiuser games and destinations. Macromedia continues to expand the ubiquity of both the Shockwave Player and the Flash Player by making them free to download and redistribute on CD-ROMs and intranets. Developers who want more information about distributing the players can visit http://www.macromedia.com/support/shockwave/info/licensing/.
The Shockwave Multiuser Server 2 ships with Director 7 Shockwave Internet Studio, and includes a license for developers to deploy applications that support up to 50 simultaneous users. Registered customers can download the new server for free from the Macromedia Web site. Additional licenses for 100, 500, or 1,000 users can also be purchased from Macromedia. Macromedia has also partnered with HearMe to extend the reach of multiuser Shockwave applications to hundreds of thousands of users using HearMe's POP.X Server.