Userplane’s got an interesting use for Flash: Creating custom instant messaging applications for clients in the healthcare, e-learning and online dating markets. Userplane has built Instant Communicator around the Flash Communication Server backend and a 170k Flash-based application on the front end. Running on Windows or Mac, the Flash application works with just about any standard Web or DV camera.
Currently, users can use text, audio and video chat capability. The product, which is not designed to compete with public IM offerings from AOL, MSN or Yahoo, can be hosted by Userplane or installed locally. Those choosing the latter must buy a copy of the Flash Communication Server. Video is served anywhere from 2K bit/sec up to 10K bit/sec, a good enough delivery rate for talking head applications. Customers can buy the app for $12,500 or host for $500 down and $1,000 per month.
