Developers can now use the Adobe Integrated Runtime software to develop Rich Internet Applications unbound by the restrictions of the Web. The new Adobe AIR download allows Web applications to be run offline (“online apps offline, independent, everywhere”, as one blogger summarized it). Companies with applications on the AIR platform include Nasdaq, The New York Times, and eBay, which debuted “eBay Desktop” for frequent eBayers. Other projects are similar to AIR, including Google Gears and Microsoft Silverlight, which is already anticipating a second edition. Both Silverlight and AIR plan to release ports for Linux as well. Download Adobe AIR here.