Many companies approaching from both angles

Apple's prohibition of Flash from its mobile devices appears to be pushing many web developers to find alternative technologies compatible with the iPhone and iPad, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Chantelle Simoes, a VP at design firm Ninth Degree, suggests her company will have to hire additional staffers to accommodate customers trying to avoid Flash on their websites.

"Since the iPad came out we've had a lot of clients say that they just don't want Flash on their sites," Simoes said.

Other companies have taken a similar approach, however many companies adopting HTML5 and other iPhone-friendly technologies do not intend on dropping Flash. Instead, developers are maintaining several sites that take advantage of the capabilities offered by Flash and the compatibility of other standards.

Sports Illustrated Group editor Terry McDonnell admitted that his company would continue to push forward on "more than one front." The strategy aims to ensure that Sports Illustrated sites can be viewed by a wide range of users, regardless of the device.

Other companies, such as Carnival Corp, have transitioned away from Flash without the intention of approaching from both angles. The company dropped Flash from its cruise-line sites to guarantee compatibility with the iPhone and iPad.

The number of companies moving away from Flash have not stopped the technology from continuing to expand. Adobe CTO Kevin Lynch recently pointed out that the number of Flash developers has climbed by 59 percent in 2009, reaching a total of 3.5 million.

by MacNN Staff