(
Adobe
Integrated
Runtime) A cross-platform environment from Adobe for rich Internet applications (see
RIA), introduced in 2007. Using Adobe's Flash Player as the runtime engine, which is installed in countless PCs and mobile phones, AIR enables programs written in JavaScript, HTML, AJAX and Flash or Flex to run like desktop applications and not from the Web browser. Like traditional desktop programs, apps must be packaged and installed in the local device. AIR also supports mobile platforms, including BlackBerry, iOS and Android. See
runtime engine,
Flash and
Flex.