Issue

Macromedia has discontinued development of the Shockwave Multi-User Server (SMUS) and the Director Multiuser Xtras.

Reason

Macromedia has stopped development on SMUS due to the latest and greatest development from Macromedia: Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX. Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX was first introduced in July 2002. Many of the same engineers who created SMUS also created Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX. Macromedia believes customer needs will be better met via Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX.

One of the key requests from developers who have used SMUS is to have administrative controls; Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX addresses this need. Further, developers preferred to have JavaScript based server side scripting, since their server programmers are familiar with this language. Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX does have JavaScript based scripting (versus Lingo for SMUS). With the introduction of Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX 1.5 Linux support is provided, together with further enhancements like HTTP tunneling that will allow communications to be delivered to the widest possible audience.

Can I still get the Shockwave Multiuser Server and Xtra?

The Shockwave Multiuser Server and Xtra are shipped with Director MX only. All related Shockwave Multiuser Server files are found in the goodies folder located on the Director installer CD. The Director Multiuser Xtras are also available for download.

Technical support

There will be no technical support for the Multiuser server in Director MX. Support will be created via the community of newsgroups, list serves, andDirector support center. For more information see the FAQ listed below. Support for the existing Multiuser Server that was purchased in Director prior to Director MX will follow the guidelines of purchased product.

FAQ

• What is the price difference between Flash Communication Server and the Multiuser Server?
• Are there features in Multiuser Server that are not offered in Flash Communications Server Personal Edition?
• Why are we including the Multiuser server in Director MX if we are not supporting it?
• Which tools are available to help customers learn how to use the Flash Communication Server?
• Macromedia no longer provides a test server for customers to test Multiuser content. How can customers test their projects?
• Which languages is Flash Communication Server currently localized in?
• Which operating systems does Flash Communication Server currently support?
• Can Director use Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX technology?

What is the price difference between Flash Communication Server and the Multiuser Server?

The Multiuser Server was included with Director for no additional fee. The Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX Personal Edition is $499. This was included in Director MX only for no additional fee. Flash Communication Server pricing for all editions can be found at: http://www.macromedia.com/software/flashcom/productinfo/pricing/

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Are there features in Multiuser Server that are not offered in Flash Communications Server Personal Edition?

Yes, there are some differences between these two server technologies as follows:

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Why are we including the Multiuser server in Director MX if we are not supporting it?

While customers will be encouraged to utilize the Flash Communication Server for their multiuser needs, there are some features of the Multiuser Server and Multiuser Xtra that are not supported in the Flash Communication Server, as noted above. In order to continue to provide these features to existing developers, we will continue to include these technologies with the product. See the goodies folder on the installer CD.

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Which tools are available to help customers learn how to use the Macromedia Flash Communication Server?

Product training materials, including articles, tutorials and sample applications, are available at the Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX Developer Center. Get information about all technical support programs for Flash Communication Server-including a number of free online options-at the Macromedia Support Center.

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Macromedia no longer provides a test server for customers to test Multiuser content. How can customers test their projects?

The test server previously provided by Macromedia is no longer available to customers. However, a 3rd party developer has agreed to allow our trialserver customers to utilize his company's trialserver. SMUS users can test using the following information:

Server IP address - trialserver.tabuleiro.com
port - 1626

Trial server documentation and trial movies are available at:http://xtras.tabuleiro.com/products/nebulae/demo.htm

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What languages is Macromedia Flash Communication Server currently localized in?

Macromedia Flash Communication Server is currently an English only product. The English version of Flash Communication Server is included in the French, German, and Japanese editions of Director MX only (boxed product).

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Which operating systems does Flash Communication Server currently support?

Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX server software runs on Microsoft Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Linux RedHat 7.3 (and higher) operating systems.

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Can Macromedia Director MX use Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX technology?

Developers can use the Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX technology within Macromedia Director MX to create communication applications.

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Products affected