Adobe Illustrator is a vector-based drawing program developed and marketed by Adobe Systems.

The latest version, Illustrator CS4, is the fourteenth generation in the product line. Numerous new features include multiple artboards in a single document, a "blob brush" that is similar to the brush in Adobe Flash, and supports transparency in gradients among other features.

(Wikipedia, Adobe Illustrator, 04/09)

Vector drawing is not a new concept, it has been used in the graphic design industry for years. Illustrator is the "master" program for creating visually impressive vector illustrations such as logos.