Macromedia tracks Flash use

Software developer Macromedia has signed a deal with WebSideStory, a Web site analytics company, to offer site developers a custom tool to track consumer interaction with sites built in Flash.

Flash, an easy-to-use animation tool made by Macromedia, is one of the most widely used development applications for Web sites, advertisements and games, claiming such clients as Nike, MSNBC and Virgin Records. The deal allows Web developers to use WebSideStory's HitBox Professional tool to monitor how often sites build in Flash and Macromedia's Dreamweaver tool are viewed, as well as how visitors interact with content and ads in real time. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.