Flash controlling external applications?

[JimTheNim]

Is it possible to have flash run an external application, then wait until that application has finished what it was designed to do, and then continue onto the next function command?

i.e. Flash runs a batch file to start a file back up, then flash waits at that point until the back up has completed. Once completed flash will continue and run the next batch file.

Can this be done? If so, with Actionscript?

 

[JimTheNim]

I am using flash for the aesthetics of what I can produce graphically. This project must run completely automated and without input from the user (something like a scheduled task).

I only have exposure to flash, batch files & vbscript - currently.

C++, Java etc. is all alien to me.

What would be your suggestion for the ideal application to use?