Adobe says it loves Apple but doesn’t really as IT giants conduct public power battle

Adobe has published an open letter claiming that Apple is threatening to undermine the next chapter of the web. Serious stuff. Adobe has also published adverts saying ‘We heart Apple’, but it is clear that the advert is sarcastic and there is really no love lost between the two IT giants. This follows Apple’s justification of its refusal to allow Adobe’s Flash products to be used on some of Apple’s products such as the iPad and iPhone. Adobe wants consumers to be able to use its products, but Apple claimed that Adobe’s products are controlled and available only from Adobe and all standards pertaining to the web are open. Adobe has countered that that argument is a smokescreen, particularly as Apple has its own proprietary products. Adobe believes that its software is actually open. Adobe claims that it publishes the specifications for Flash so that anyone can make their own Flash player. On the other hand, Apple claims that Adobe’s tools have resulted in ‘sub-standard apps’. But Adobe argues that Apple’s actions have undermined the development of the web to a place in which any individual can be a publisher and content can be accessed anywhere and at any time. And so the argument goes on. Unless the tiff is resolved more amicably, it could result in litigation. Viewers of this soap opera should continue to tune in to see how the plot develops.