Not only that but Flash is arguably driving forward the development of the Internet itself as it can be used to create or enhance Web 2.0 sites with greater rich media than was possible before. e.g. http://turfwars.needforspeedcarbon.co.uk/.  This can never be more true today with the rise of mobile Internet and the demand for Flash content on the move.  Indeed Flash Lite is already being added as standard to Nokia mobile phones which account for a majority share of distribution.  The next version of Flash Lite in 2008 will have FLV file compatibility, which means that you can watch Flash videos from your mobile with its Internet connection.  This is more what WAP was designed for rather than static news and one way communication as was common in 2000.  Again this refers to the above definition that the rise of Flash has been more of a critical shift over time, which is now influencing two key technologies (computer and mobile Internet).  “Critical shift” is all relative, but I would say that for the Internet Industry and into the future Flash will provide the rich media desired by the market.

I think it is pretty good, although there is always the danger that when something becomes too prevalent that it ends up stifling creativity. There is an issue in the Open Source community (who create programs and languages that are free to use by anyone) that the mass use of proprietary software will mean that all websites (and thus the Internet) will be at the mercy of yet another corporation, where they will end up governing web standards and what is possible.

I don’t think this will happen though as Macromedia allows tools to be built on to their own development programs, which essentially is keeping it customisable (although granted I do not know too much about the technical side of the debate).  Certainly allowing people to create “plug-ins” or “add ons” has been of value in the Industry (look at the proliferation of AJAX in providing widgets) and an open Internet where accessibility is the key has been of most appeal to the market throughout the Internet’s history (think of AOL’s attempt at a walled garden).  I know that Habbo has changed or re purposed the Flash coding slightly to their needs and this has increased the stability for the product.