Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com FAQ
Adobe® Flash® Builder™ for Force.com – FAQ
When will Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com be available?
Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com is available today as a Developer Preview from the Developer Force web site at http://developer.force.com/flashbuilder. Expected final delivery in the first half of 2010.
What is included in the Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com download?
An installer package that installs all components of the Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com integrated development environment (IDE). Once the file has downloaded successfully, you run the installer to unpack the files and set up the Eclipse environment. The files installed into the environment include:
- Eclipse
- Adobe Flash Builder 4 Premium
- Note: For the Developer Preview, Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com includes a beta version of Adobe Flash Builder 4 Premium. Expected final delivery in the first half of 2010. For more information on the Adobe Flash Builder 4 beta program, go to: http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/flashbuilder4/
- Adobe LiveCycle Data Services client-side data management and offline libraries (LCDS libraries)
- Force.com IDE
- Adobe-Salesforce integration libraries
Who will sell Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com?
Users can download the installation package for free from http://developer.force.com/flashbuilder. Users can buy Adobe Flash Builder 4 Premium from the Adobe online store at the time of general availability in 1H 2010. Pricing will be on a per developer seat license and not a runtime/recurring license.
What happens if I already have Flash Builder or another Eclipse environment on my system?
Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com is always installed as a new install, even on systems that have existing Flash Builder or other Eclipse environments already set up. It does this to ensure compatibility between the versions of Eclipse, Flash Builder, and the Force.com IDE used.
What will be different between the Developer Preview and the full release of Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com?
The Developer Preview is a pre-production version of the Adobe-Salesforce IDE, and is intended to let developers get a jump start on developing applications prior to its production release. The Developer Preview package includes a beta version of Adobe Flash Builder 4 Premium and LCDS libraries, and must be used under the terms of Adobe’s corresponding beta programs.
Are there any restrictions on using Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com during the Developer Preview period?
Since it is not yet production software, the IDE can not be used to create production-ready applications.
Is there a cost to use Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com during the Developer Preview?
There is no cost to use the product during the Developer Preview period.
Will there be any cost once the product is in production?
The production release of Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com will include a standard 60-day trial of Adobe Flash Builder 4 Premium. Developers can use the tool for free during the trial period to evaluate the product. Once the trial period has expired, users will be required to purchase a licensed copy of Adobe Flash Builder 4 Premium from Adobe or an authorized Adobe reseller.
If I already have a licensed copy of Adobe Flash Builder, is there any additional cost to use Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com?
If your existing copy of Adobe Flash Builder 4 Premium is the same version as the one provided in the Adobe-Salesforce bundle, then you do not need to purchase another license. Use your existing activation code to activate the new copy which was included in the installation package. If you have a prior version of Adobe Flash Builder (previously called Adobe Flex Builder), or if you have Adobe Flash Builder 4 Standard, you may need to purchase an upgrade license. Contact Adobe for details.
How do I get a license to use the LCDS libraries?
Developers who get Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com are pre-licensed to use the LCDS libraries in conjunction with any applications developed for use with a Force.com back end. There is no additional charge for the license.
Are there any other licensing restrictions on the LCDS libraries?
The LCDS libraries can only be used in conjunction with applications built on the Force.com platform. The libraries can not be used in conjunction with any other back-end enterprise systems or applications. These terms are described in an End User License Agreement which users must accept when installing the Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com package. The only exception is if a customer has purchased a full license for LiveCycle Data Services separately.
If I want to use the LCDS features in connection with other back-end systems, what do I do?
Contact Adobe to discuss alternative licensing options.
Is there anything else I need to get started building applications with Adobe Flash Builder for Force.com?
In addition to the products and licenses described above, you will also need an active salesforce.com or force.com account (including a developer account). For testing purposes, you should also be sure to upgrade to the latest versions of Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR. Both runtimes can be downloaded from the Adobe web site at http://www.adobe.com/flashplatform/.
How can I participate in the Adobe Flash Builder 4 beta program?
To apply to participate in the Adobe beta program, go to http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/flashbuilder4/