Macromedia and Nokia announced an agreement to integrate Macromedia Flash technology into Nokia's Series 60 Platform for mobile devices, including smart phones.

The companies said that the Series 60 will become a reference platform for Macromedia's mobile Flash technology, and Macromedia will implement new versions of its mobile Flash technology on Series 60. The Series 60 Platform, built on the Symbian OS, is currently the leading smartphone platform in the world, licensed to major companies worldwide. It is characterized by the large color screen size, the easy to use interface and by the growing suite of applications supporting new mobile services, such as rich media content distribution, video, downloading of files and MMS.

The partnership mission is one of facilitating development of Flash content and new applications for mobile phones. Presently there are near 3 million active developers between the one registered in the Nokia Forum and those associated with Macromedia.

Al Ramadan, executive vice president and general manager, mobile and devices, Macromedia, said: "We look forward to bringing together the significant developer communities of both companies to deliver a new generation of digital experiences to an even broader section of the mobile ecosystem".

Recently, also Verizon Wireless launched a rich media content delivery service called V CAST over several of its supported phone products, including the Samsung a890.

As part of the new agreement between the two companies new mobile development toolsets will be created and made available to enable developers in the effective production of compelling Flash content for mobile devices, "while leveraging their existing expertise and brand assets". In addition, the companies will also collaborate on technical documentation and other technical support areas.

The Nokia mobile phones in the Series 60, are actually built on the Symbian OS, which is in turn licensed by several mobile phones manufacturers including Lenovo, LG Electronics, Nokia, Panasonic, Samsung, Sendo, and Siemens.

The industry goal is clearly one of increasing market adoption of smartphones thanks to the expanded availability of rich Flash content and applications.

How does the world of mobile and smart phones converge over and into the one of web conferencing and real-time collaboration tools?