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Rich Internet Applications combine the familiarity
of desktop applications with the limitless reach of
the Internet in order to communicate effectively with
the user, as visualized below.
Macromedia defines RIAs as “combining the best
user interface functionality of desktop software applications
with the broad reach and low-cost deployment of Web
applications and the best of interactive, multimedia
communication. The end result: an application providing
a more intuitive, responsive, and effective user experience.
Specifically, the best of the desktop includes providing
an interactive user interface for validation and formatting,
fast interface response times with no page refresh,
common user interface behaviors such as drag-and-drop
and the ability to work online and offline. The best
of the Web includes capabilities such as instant deployment,
cross-platform availability, the use of progressive
download for retrieving content and data, the magazine-like
layout of Web pages and leveraging widely adopted Internet
standards. The best of communication means incorporating
two-way interactive audio and video.”
(Source IDC & Macromedia 2003)
Desktop computers are prevalent in today’s business
world. Features such as drag-and-drop, easy file and
folder navigation and the ability to work online and
offline facilitate a comfort level for accessing information.
Desktop users know that if they want to transfer a
folder from one location to another, they can drag
it from its current location and drop it in another
location with a click of the mouse.
These types of features are incorporated into RIAs
so that users can drag and drop pieces of information
to produce a visible end result, whether it is the
perfect sports car or a calendar of due dates from
all departments.
Combining desktop application functions with Internet
technology allows information to be instantly disseminated
among a wide range of users on various platforms. The
user building the sports car can download the final
product along with the price, or save it and return
later to make adjustments. A manager can view the calendar
containing all the information entered by his staff
and make adjustments or schedule meetings that will
be seen by all immediately.
RIAs also provide the ability to integrate video and
audio components so that the sports car can be taken
for a virtual test drive, and a department scattered
across continents can meet and discuss issues without
the need to travel.
From the corporate perspective, Rich Internet Applications
provide many benefits. These benefits include:
- Provide a very viable technology capable of addressing
a broad range of Internet, intranet and corporate
application needs without requiring wholesale replacement
of existing Web application investments.
- Empower companies to create wholly new kinds of
engaging, innovative user experiences and applications
with features or capabilities that in most cases
would be extremely difficult or impossible for a
developer to create using traditional Web technologies.
- Deliver a variety of substantial business benefits
including: highly qualified lead generation, increased
sales, increased brand loyalty, longer stays on sites,
more frequent repeat visits, reduced bandwidth costs,
reduced support calls and deepened customer relationships.
- Offer the potential for a fundamental shift in
the experience of Internet applications, leading
to applications that come closer to delivering on
the promise of the Internet.
(Source IDC 2003)
RIAs combine cutting edge technology
with innovative business processes to provide bottom
line results for small and mid-sized businesses, large
corporate enterprises and government entities.
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