Macromedia Breeze now has new features that make Web communication more meaningful, effective, and useful. Breeze provides a rich Web communication system that enables users to hold collaborative real-time meetings, instructor-led classes, and seminars, as well as to deliver on-demand informational presentations and e-learning courses. Breeze leverages Microsoft PowerPoint and Macromedia Flash Player to enable approximately 500 million Web users to experience online meetings and rich content without downloading special plug-ins or media players. Macromedia is offering North American users the chance to try free Web conferencing through Breeze for the month of March. For more information, visit www.macromedia.com/go/breezeship.

Breeze delivers the same level of collaboration possible in a face-to-face meeting with the ability of all meeting participants to work on a shared whiteboard, use polling to determine the course of a meeting, as well as share applications and desktops within the meeting.

The Macromedia Breeze platform includes a Web services framework to enable integration with existing portal and enterprise applications, directory services, and SCORM or AICC-compliant learning management systems. The platform also features enhanced business reports, account administration, and Secured Socket Layer (SSL) support.

Macromedia Breeze is now available in trial, hosted, and licensed versions. Hosting prices start at $84 per seat per month, with perpetual licenses starting at $25,000.