Web Hosting Software

• Award-winning virus protection from McAfee Virex with automatic eUpdate
• 10 new templates for movies, photos, cross-platform file sharing, and more
• Expert training from Apple for .Mac, Panther, and iLife '04

Work in a familiar, customizable environment with consistent user interface elements, including color management, drawing tools, code editing, a common Property Inspector, and panel management, all making it easy to move between the applications. Create each element of the Web production process, including developing graphics, laying out HTML pages, coding application logic, building rich user interfaces, and assembling complete solutions--all in one suite.

Take advantage of drag-and-drop visual tools and components, code libraries, and extensive code editing support for developing applications using HTML, XHTML, XML, ColdFusion, ASP, ASP.NET, JSP, or PHP. Use precoded HTML objects, Flash components, and complete templates to create or customize the Web solution that best suits your needs. Download additional templates, components, and extensions, or write your own to increase functionality. You can even install third-party add-ons and a full documented set of APIs, letting you customize and enhance all the products in Macromedia Studio MX.

Dreamweaver MX is a visual Web editor that generates highly compatible code while also including useful site-management features. Flash MX is the de facto standard for Web animation, containing rich multimedia content in remarkably compact files. Fireworks is a great tool for putting the finishing touches on existing graphics, adding text effects or other elements, and optimizing the results for Web display. These three are the core Studio MX products, and the suite offers excellent value for these alone.

Integration between the individual products is generally very good. It begins with the interface, which uses common elements such as dockable, collapsible panels and a dynamic property inspector, so that you can switch comfortably between products. On a technical level, the key feature is roundtrip support. You can embed Fireworks graphics and Flash movies in Dreamweaver pages without losing any information, letting you later reopen an element in its original application with all its features intact.

Application development is not just a matter of server-side scripting. Flash MX also has potential as a rich client, with an interface driven by embedded JavaScript. Through a technology called Flash Remoting, Flash MX offers support for Web services. While it may seem strange to think of Flash as a rich client moving beyond the Web page, it does make some sense when you consider that it is cross-platform and very widely deployed.

Taking everything together, Studio MX is an essential development tool, as well as a great bundle for any Web designer. --Tim Anderson

Intra.Net Information Management System is a Web-based application, so there's no software to install or configure, no technical knowledge is required, it's not necessary to upgrade or buy hardware, you don't need to download anything, and you're not held to any long-term commitment. With the Intra.Net Information Management System e-Service Starter Kit, you'll receive three months of service for up to 20 employees. After the initial offer, you can choose to continue this service for $250 per month for up to 20 users.

Metamend is a Web-based service, so there's no software to install or configure, no technical knowledge is required, it's not necessary to upgrade or buy hardware, you don't need to download anything, and you're not held to any long-term commitment. With the Metamend e-Service Starter Kit, you'll receive three months of search engine optimization service. After the initial offer, you can choose to continue this service for $16.99 per month.