Adobe, Microsoft Eyeing Other's Territory at NAB

Microsoft has been dominant in desktop media. Adobe has been dominant in Web-based video with Flash. At NAB, each announced products that counter the oppositionis strengths, according to ITWire.

"Even the names used by the two companies for their respective products evoke similar imagery and is indicative of the coming head-to-head battle across two arenas which has been steadily building," Stan Beer wrote. "On the desktop, itis Adobe Media Player challenging the dominance of Windows Media Player. On the web, itis Microsoftis new Silverlight technology challenging the almost ubiquitous Adobe Flash."

The Adobe Media Player will be free, but publishers will be able to access the content with advertising. Microsoftis Silverlight will consist of a plug-in for Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari. It will offer full-screen video and MP3 audio.

"The coming year promises an interesting clash between two dominant players each trying to pry their way into each otheris respective territory," Mr. Beer observed.