Rich Internet Applications combine the familiarity of desktop applications with the limitless reach of the Internet in order to communicate effectively with the user.
Desktop 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. An example of this technology in use is Adobe Breeze. Breeze lets user meet, collaborate and communicate at anytime. Breeze also lets users store content, so in the middle of sales meeting, users are able to pull up previous sales data without having to reload a past presentation.
RIAs also provide the ability to integrate video and audio components so that you can go over sales numbers with team members at different locations, hold a virtual classroom or train employees without the expense of travel.
From the corporate perspective, Rich Internet Applications provide many benefits. These benefits include:
• 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.
• Create 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.
