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Adobe could offer video and photo editing software online funded by advertising, according to an interview with CEO Bruce Chizen in a German business newspaper.

Discussing Adobe’s relationships with Microsoft and Google, Chizen told the newspaper Euro am Sonntag (Euro on Sunday) that online software services are more accepted than ever by consumers and businesses alike. He said that it would be impossible to offer fully functioning Photoshop online in such a model presently, but that an advertising-funded model could suit more consumer-oriented packages like Photoshop Elements and Adobe Premiere.

Chizen also used the interview to promote Adobe’s upcoming product, codenamed Apollo. This will enable developers to build rich Internet applications that will run on the desktop independently of web browser, and, thanks to synchronisation features, an Internet connection. Apollo, slated for a 1.0 version in 2007, also promises full cross platform functionality, to run on Windows, Mac and Linux machines. It sees Adobe combining its jewel in the crown technology – namely PDF – with that of its Macromedia acquisition of 18 months ago: Flash. Running Apollo applications will be free for the customer; Adobe will make money from selling developer tools, Chizen said.

He also refused to rule out possible court action against Microsoft in Europe, regarding upcoming operating system, Windows Vista.

The OS will feature PDF-making extensions, which could impinge on Adobe’s own business interests in that market. Chizen said that Adobe is working with the European Union to constrain Microsoft’s implementation of the technology. He did not promise litigation, but he declined to rule it out, however.