FlashMoto is the latest in a small group of content management systems dedicated to Flash development. They claim its the first CMS built with ActionScript 3 and realized as a Flex RIA. CMS’ aimed at editing Flash content have traditionally been pretty lacklustre (to put in politely), so lets see how FlashMoto fairs.

Key features

• - Advanced WYSIWYG Editor
• - Built in SEO & deeplinking
• - Video, MP3 player, form builder and gallery components
• - File and font browser/uploader
• - Library of ready made templates (at an additional cost)

Developing with FlashMoto

FlashMoto runs in the browser allowing for a impressive level of near real time editing. You need a server running PHP 5.2.1 or higher with Zend Optimizer 3.3+. Anyone familiar with installing php applications will have no problem getting started. There is a helpful control panel which provides error checking for folder permissions, server compatibility etc..

A CMS can often save on development time as well as editing time. Unfortunately this is where FlashMoto becomes cumbersome. To get all the WYSIWYG goodness you will have to invest a considerable amount of time learning the specific structure, language and idiosyncrasies of a FlashMoto template. Their moto of “ANY FLASH WEBSITE CAN BE MANAGED!” should come with a declaimer along the lines of “as long as your follow our exact development blue print”. You do get two sample templates to get you started, but its probably not worth trying to retro-fit older projects. This is definitely not a plug and play CMS.

Design & usability

The manager interface is one of the strongest features of FlashMoto. Its really well executed and without a doubt the most impressive browser application I have used. The UI design is first class, with a superb attention to detail set against a logical, well thought out layout. Considering this is an application running in the browser I don’t think they could have done much better. The only small drawback I found was there was no provision for different levels of user control.

The pay off for that extra development time is a Flash website that is very client friendly. The toolbars and built in components make editing and building new features easy and intuitive. With just a few mouse clicks you can edit a menu, create a new page and even build a contact form. FlashMoto have done a pretty amazing job here.

The excellent manager interface is a design and technical marvel.

Support

One of the benefits of using open source projects like WordPress is the huge amount of collective knowledge assembled over time. FlashMoto’s community forum is unsurprisingly sparse, but there is a good level of documentation including video tutorials, a faq, contextual help in the app itself and a help desk for direct contact with the developers. This will only get better over time as they are clearly doing all the right things.

Pricing

At the time of writing the standard per domain license is $199. I would like to see bulk discounts available and ideally a unlimited license. The ready made templates, which include FlashMoto start from $240. This represents incredible value and is where I see most sales being made.

Overall

FlashMoto is by far the best Flash CMS I have used. The beautiful interface, built in SEO, deeplinking and impressive components create an attractive package. The problem FlashMoto has is there are open source CMS’ that can output xml and as a result don’t require the development headaches of learning a completely new system (or the cost). However, they do not offer anywhere near the same level of intuitive, complex editing. For Flash novices FlashMoto is a god send, developers, you might want to hold on to your home-brew & open source CMS’ a little longer. Definitely one to keep an eye on.

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