While people tend to think of Flash as a web-based application, Flash can be used to create animations for broadcast or interactive CDs and games. It also provides an effective method for providing video online through the use of streaming servers that control the speed at which the file downloads to the end-user. This makes the file play more smoothly.
We use Flash in a number of ways. We use it to add a touch of animation to webpages such as Liaison College where it is used both to create the masthead and as a means to stream video.
We use Flash on Jasmine Peter's website to show the quality of the homes she sells and the community in which she works.
Flash was also used in the creation of numerous screensavers we've made over the years for organizatiosn like Janssen-Ortho, Ortho-Biotech, and the Community Care Access Centre.
We also used Flash to create Sainoor's Rumi Game. Here visitors can login and ask Sainoor a question, then choose 3, 6, or 9 Rumi cards on the basis of which she does a card reading. The question and cards are sent to Sainoor in Japan, by email, and she responds within 3 days. Returning visitors can use their login identity to remind themselves of past questions and readings.
Flash is a popular addition to any website but should be used judiciously. Be sure your audience can access the files and be aware that search engines are still unable to read the contents of a Flash file. This can be a great way to hide information, but it reduces the number of terms search engines has available to rank your web pages.