You could, for example, import a Flash file into a Shockwave movie, but it doesn't work the other way around. Flash is more universal. Flash creation software is cheaper. Flash is an open-source format. Anybody can see how it works and is free to adapt it for their own purposes.
Director uses a compiled file format, so it is extremely difficult to modify the program.
With each software update, the two formats move closer and closer together. Shockwave has better Web capability with each version, and Flash gets more versatile. Eventually, the two formats will probably be merged into one comprehensive format that encompasses the best qualities of each. A Flash movie from our fuel cell article . Inc. All rights reserved.