From the 'we like Linux kinda/sorta files:

Adobe is joining the Linux Foundation as part of an effort to show its commitment to Linux. Adobe is also now making its AIR platform available for Linux -- as an Alpha. Finally there is also an update to the alpha version of Adobe Flex Builder 3 for Linux.

It sure sounds all fine and nice, but there is still is a major problem in my view. Adobe does not lead with Linux, it barely stays even with Linux. Adobe's product releases for Linux (proof of which are the AIR and Flex alphas) typically follow those for other platforms.

In a quote on a press release issued by the Linux Foundation about Adobe's decision to join the group, Jim Zemlin, executive director at The Linux Foundation praises Adobe's move.

"Adobe's decision to join the LF is a natural extension of its commitment to open standards and open source, which demonstrates its leadership and foresight in the software industry," said Jim Zemlin, executive director at The Linux Foundation. "Adobe's membership will contribute to our goal of increasing even more application development on Linux with a specific emphasis on Web 2.0 applications."

I would hope that Zemlin will encourage Adobe to now treat Linux as a first class citizen as opposed to an afterthought for release after Windows.

I hope Zemlin will pressure Adobe to finally actually make Flash -- not just the player -- but Flash CS3 Professional, (the core Flash development tool) available for Linux as a fully commercially available and supported product.  It is somewhat ironic in my opinion that Adobe can join the Linux Foundation, claim to support Linux and yet not offer its flagship Flash development tool on Linux.

Having the Flash Player, Flex and AIR are great steps, but what about those that want to develop Flash design using Linux -- as opposed to just deploying on Linux?