http://www.adobe.com/products/air/

Adobe® AIR is a new technology that makes possible exciting new software applications that merge the desktop and the web.

Adobe AIR applications have all the advantages of web applications, including speed of development, ease of use, and access from anywhere. They also have the power of the desktop. For example, Adobe AIR applications can read and write local files, collaborate with local applications, combine data from multiple network resources, and maintain local data on the desktop.

The result is an evolution of rich Internet applications that lets users work how and where they want, while seamlessly enjoying the best capabilities of both the desktop and the web.

Benefits of Adobe AIR

For businesses, Adobe AIR offers an exciting new way to engage customers with innovative, branded desktop applications, without requiring changes to their existing technology, personnel, or processes.

For web developers, Adobe AIR introduces a lucrative new marketplace for their current skill set.

For end users, Adobe AIR means applications that are easier, more powerful, and more fun to use.

Source: http://www.adobe.com/products/air/