One of the latest and perhaps most intriguing tool kits released by Adobe for developers is the Breeze Meeting Sync SWF SDK. Sync SWF (pronounced "sink swiff") allows developers to author custom Flash content to run within the context of Breeze Meeting, which itself is partially derived by Macromedia Flash by Adobe.

Breeze is a rich communication system traditionally used to conduct meetings for various purposes and provide asynchronous and live training. It includes the ability to broadcast audio and video, gives users the ability to chat with others, and features powerful whiteboarding and desktop sharing capabilities. Most people use Breeze to conduct meetings (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Recording a Breeze meeting

What makes the Sync SWF SDK intriguing is that it opens up possibilities for enabling Breeze as a platform to run applications, such as the following:

• Custom simulations and games where users can learn and participate by interacting with shared visual elements during a Breeze meeting
• Develop custom applications that improve collaboration, such as project management applications
• Create community and social software that immerses participants in a virtual world

In my travels as a consultant who sets up, installs, and trains clients and organizations on using Breeze, I have often been asked about developing custom applications running in Breeze that would enhance the user experience and increase retention. A year ago this would not have been possible. Sync SWF finally allows developers to create interactive applications that run on the Breeze platform.

This article is part one of a two-part tutorial on the Sync SWF SDK. It explores how to get started using Sync SWF, discusses the theory behind it, and demonstrates authoring a basic application that shows you how to create a moving, interactive element synchronously in a Flash application among participants who are in a Breeze meeting. The sample application in Part 1 shows you the basics of creating an application with the Sync SWF SDK. Part 2 takes Sync SWF a step further by building a simple game using Breeze as an online multiplayer platform.

Requirements

To complete this tutorial you will need to install the following software and files:

• Breeze Meeting Sync SWF SDK

Breeze 5.1 Service Pack 2

• Try
• Buy

Flash Professional 8

• Try
• Buy

Sample files:

• testsquare_1_0_source.zip (ZIP, 366K)

Prerequisite Knowledge

This article assumes that you have prior knowledge of Macromedia Flash and its programming language, ActionScript, as well as familiarity with the Macromedia Breeze platform. If you need to review information about Flash, check out the Flash Developer Center's Getting Started section, where you will find links to tutorials and information to get you up and running. For demonstrations about Breeze, feel free to contact Macromedia Certified Partners such as New Toronto Group for more information.

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