One of the most common places to find Rich Internet Applications in use is eCommerce websites. Most eCommerce purchases are a multi-step process, like purchasing airline tickets. Breaking up such a process into separate Web pages has become the norm, as has the frustration of having to click back a page in order to change variables, such as the departure date.

RIAs streamline the entire eCommerce purchasing process. RIA technology such as Adobe Flex provides the ability to create a single Web page the same file size as a standard home page (only a few kilobytes) that has all pertinent information at the fingertips of the consumer. As the customer changes information, that information changes right in front of the consumer without having to click the back button or wait for the page to refresh. In RIAs, product purchasing and selection can be done using audio, video, text and graphics to enhance the presentation of information and make the process more enjoyable for the consumer. The user experience is enhanced, which leads to better sales and stronger customer loyalty.

Maintaining or improving customer loyalty is a goal of any business, and that goal extends to its employees as well. Employees need to be informed about various company aspects and products in order to provide customer service and continue to expand the client base. One way businesses and organizations do this is through Intranet applications. Intranet applications function the same as Internet or Web applications and have grown in complexity as they have gained in popularity. There are links that lead to innumerable amounts and levels of information and the steps necessary for processing employee benefits is just as cumbersome as buying airline tickets.

Just as RIAs streamline the purchase process for eCommerce websites, they also simplify the process of accessing and understanding company information for employees using company Intranets. Information can be at the fingertips of employees, and utilizing audio, video and graphic components can distill company and product information quickly, making employees more educated and better able to serve customers.

Though a company Intranet keeps information at the ready, there are times when it is necessary to train all employees in a new aspect or product developed by the company. This usually requires travel to a predetermined location for a particular period of time at the expense of the employee and the company. RIAs such as Adobe Breeze offer the opportunity to provide that same type of training, with the added benefit of tracking the effectiveness of the training and removing the need for travel.

RIAs have the ability to enhance the way information and products are presented to consumers as well as employees, creating a more enjoyable and comprehensive experience that will build customer loyalty or keep your employees informed.

Characteristics of High Return / High Impact RIAs

Industry Verticals

• Human Resources / Training
• Financial Services
• Retail / eCommerce
• Broadband Portals

Application Types

• Product Configuration
• Customer Self-Service
• Intranet / Extranet
• Business Intelligence / Data Analysis

Application Challenges

• Multi-step Processes
• On-screen Direct Manipulation
• Complex Selection Logic
• Client-side Processing
• Data Visualization