Today, Google announced a new algorithm for indexing textual content in Flash files of all kinds, from Flash menus, buttons and banners, to self-contained Flash websites. This is achieved by a special Flash player developed by Adobe that opens content within applications and translates it for search engines. The full potential is a ways off, but this is a step in the right direction for Flash websites and Google (not to mention the old adage against designing sites with flash). Flash content owners and search-engine users should notice results immediately. Read more from Adobe.

Additional Resources:
Official Google Blog - Google Learns to Crawl Flash
Google Webmaster Tools - Improved Flash Indexing FAQ's
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Basics

Tags: Bob Hazlett, Tools, Google