Rich Internet Applications and their role in Web Development

Rich Internet applications feature an interface that is extremely responsive compared to traditional applications. Many of the frameworks which are used to build rich internet applications involve more processing to the client server than the centralized server. The user's browser sends small pieces of data one at a time in asynchronous mode. Hence only relevant pieces of information are sent and updated, after which the traditional web applications follow suit. Hence web development companies prefer to use RIAs for providing an optimal experience to the user.

The best known frameworks for developing rich Internet applications are Flex, AJAX, and Microsoft Silverlight. Let us have further insight into each one of these.

Flex stands tall with the largest market share compared to any other framework. It boasts of a penetration of around 90 percent which is quite difficult to achieve for Silverlight. Flash was originally designed for multimedia management and hence most internet browsers support its plugin. It is also freely available and runs easily. Flex can also enable a website to perform as a thick client application too.

But there are cons involved too. Not all browsers have Flash installed and versions also change from time to time. The user is required to download the new version if the webpage requires it. Some see this part as a drawback since those users who are not allowed to download it will automatically navigate away from that web page.

Microsoft Silverlight on the other hand was created to compete with Flex and with other RIA frameworks. Silverlight is based on .NET technology and is part of Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF). Microsoft Silverlight offers a lightweight version of .NET which runs in a browser sandbox.

Silverlight is not currently in as much as use as Flex so chances are that users would ignore the page totally if they are required to download the necessary plug in. Yet, Microsoft Silverlight is extremely appealing for .NET developers who are into web development from some years. Since .NET is already well-known all over the web development world, Silverlight has the chance to grab market share in the near future.

AJAX stands for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML which is gaining acceptance and is making its web presence felt. AJAX gives the developer the ability to create pages which are like thick clients. Those who understand JavaScript language can use AJAX. Not all browsers use JavaScript well and users have the choice to disable it completely.

Elan Emerging Technologies is web application services providing company like Rich Internet Application Development and Silverlight Development. We are specialize in Web apps, Mobile apps development and develop a wide range of better-quality apps.

The Need for Rich Internet Applications

Rich Internet Applications provide users with a responsive interface and is known to deliver interactive web experience. Most RIAs are designed to boost businesses with better productivity.

Delivering a plethora of features, Rich Internet Applications which include videos, word processors, games and mobile apps have become hugely popular worldwide.

RIAs are basically applications which are like desktop based applications with better interactivity and communication. Take for instance AJAX, which is widely used as a RIA and delivers a fantastic interface for many users across the globe.

RIAs are useful for making new applications which is not possible with traditional technologies. Complex processes like online shopping and data analysis can be done by RIAs easily. RIAs can be used for work with existing web application infrastructure and can be used as normal HTML web pages.

Customer engagement brings a lot of value to the table. According to a recent study, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit on behalf of Adobe, 80% of the respondents said that improved customer loyalty is one of the main results of customer engagement while 75% said they believed that customer engagement can lead to higher profits.

Customers can be transformed into active advocates for brands and even play a crucial role in enhancing the brand. A Forrester report commissioned in 2007 revealed that well-designed RIAs can actually produce spectacular results and even enhance the value of current investments.

According to the research report, RIAs have always managed to meet or even better the expectations of clients. The report also reveals that RIAs have actually simplified the browsing experience and a drastic ease of use for customer-facing RIAs. Most analysts believe that a simplified browsing experience blended with interactivity helps higher conversion rates. It has been noticed that shoppers become buyers in real time due to better shopping experience. There are fewer customers who give up when the shopping experience becomes simplified.

RIAs have the ability to incorporate rich media which helps boost profit margins. Rich internet applications normally have better configurations and they also allow for embedding of videos and also some contextual help content. Users who benefit from these features are the ones who convert from being shoppers to being customers

Building RIAs can be a costly affair. But there are companies who actually deliver consistent, cross-platform experiences. There are scores of companies who can enable designers and developers to create RIAs using their best skills and technological expertise. One can leverage existing resources during times of customer engagement while also minimizing expense.

Elan Emerging Technologies is a Leading Web Development Services company that provides RIA Development Services by highly experienced Silverlight Developer with best technical support.

Advantages of AJAX Development

Get ready for a dynamic web experience with AJAX Development which does not even need a page refresh! AJAX just provides that inimitable effect to the websites that it adorns. AJAX stands for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML and is a fantastic programming technique which lets you build attractive web applications. Interactivity of AJAX-powered interfaces is what makes them so popular as it easily completes the widening gap of desktop and web applications.

With AJAX implementation for creating custom web applications, there would be better speed, interactivity and even usability amongst the users. Even simple sites can be created using AJAX while some of the most complex business applications are also made using AJAX.

Rich web interfaces actually adds immense value to enterprise applications and their UI since they are designed using progressive SOA (Services Oriented Architecture). The extended visual service provided by AJAX is present along with great interactivity features and desktop functionalities. It also adds more value to user interaction even in remote applications. By adding Rich Internet Application Development ( RIA) to the applications which already function offers better control over document and data dissemination along with overall operational cost savings and enhanced security.

A full-cycle software development cycle right from business analysis to implementation and training can be worked out using AJAX. The best development tools are utilized and tested using agile methodology for short time-to-market cycles. With the modular approach and good system architecture, fantastic application maintainability is assured along with new functionalities and add-ons.

Many companies use a plethora of AJAX frameworks for creating unique aspects and features. The framework helps in boosting developers’ productivity and even revs up the cycle.

Some of the frameworks in use with AJAX

• Prototype.js
• R.A.D. AJAX
• Yahoo UI
• ASP.NET AJAX (former ATLAS)
• jQuery

The companies who offer AJAX development services also boast of several features:

• Cross Browser Support
•  Coding according to latest standards and W3C WCAG compatibility
•  Compliance to all regulations