Macromedia Flash Lite to be offered to i-mode Global Alliance members

Macromedia and NTT DoCoMo, Inc. have announced that members of the DoCoMo-led global alliance of i-mode licensing companies will be offered Macromedia Flash Lite to provide their mobile Internet users with rich interactive experiences.

Flash Lite is the version of Macromedia Flash Player that enables mass-market mobile phone users to realize the real power of multimedia.

"NTT DoCoMo demonstrated their vision and leadership by adopting Flash Lite more than a year ago," said Juha Christensen, president of mobile and devices for Macromedia. "Based on their success with the technology, they've chosen to expand its use throughout their partner community. As a result, Flash Lite will reach a greater audience much more quickly than could have been done without their support."

"Flash Lite changed the face of i-mode in Japan by dramatically improving both the range and quality of content available to our subscribers," said Takeshi Natsuno, Managing Director of DoCoMo's Products & Service Department. "As the standard for enjoying rich, interactive multimedia, Flash was a natural choice for our i-mode technology platform. We are pleased to offer this benefit to our global alliance members and their customers."

Outside Japan, over three million users are now enjoying i-mode services via GSM networks in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Taiwan and Greece. Services will start in Australia later this year.