RIA

Rich Internet Applications
Ø Rich Internet Application is a web application resembling the features of a desktop application
Ø A cross between browser-based Web applications and traditional desktop applications
Ø It provides an end user experience similar to client/server applications supported by rich graphical user interface.
BENEFITS OF RIA
Enhanced user experience:
· This ensures that customers are drawn to your specific web site because it is simple and functional.
· Users complete more transactions and forms because they understand the interface since it is very similar to standard windowing desktops and applications.
· Employees get more work done with less errors
Reduced server load:
· Due to the application being run in the users browser, there is a significant reduction in the
number of web page reloads – enhancing the user experience.
Lost data:
· No more lost user data due to users closing browser sessions or accidentally using the “back button”.
Real business benefits :
Ø Offer users a richer, more engaging experience
Ø Keep pace with users' rising expectations
Ø Increase customer loyalty and generate higher profits.
Ø Leverage existing personnel ,processes ,and infrastructure.
Ø Highly responsive performance and reduced network load.
Ø Higher, richer and easier levels of interactive functionality
Ø Cost-effective way to deliver modern application with real business benefits
Other benefits
Ø Provide real time data and inventory management.
Ø Allow users to remotely monitor and manage data via a Web-based system.
Ø Reduce data complexity -- allow users to interactively visualize and manipulate complex data more effectively and easily.
Ø Provide immediate and dynamic visual feedback to the user.
Ø Allow for quicker task completion.
Ø Provide cross platform support.
BENEFITS OF RIA IN SILVERLIGHT :
The emergence of new technologies such Silverlight not only take performance management to the next level, but also enables the user to benefit from 'rich' UI and enhanced performance at the same time.
These technologies facilitate the users in various ways are
Ø A technology widely known as 'no-refresh', where the transition from one set of information to another is instantaneous and visually more appealing
Ø No major installation required. Updating and distributing the application is an instant and automatic process
Ø Users can use the application from any computer equipped with an Internet connection regardless of the operating system running on that computer
Ø Web-based applications are generally less prone to viral infections contrary to the desktop applications.
Ø Any .Net programming language is used (c#, Ruby,Python,VB)
Ø .Net based browser plug-in for rich features (animation,vector graphics and audio-video).
Ø Silverlight is a great boost to the performance, providing a high-performance execution environment inside of the browser.
Ø Silverlight enables applications that run within multiple browsers and operating systems (Windows and Macintosh) and built on web standards for pogrammability such as JavaScript, CSS and XML and the .NET CLR.
Ø The CLR is the core piece of .NET Framework.
Ø The CLR is a well-proven high-performance platform providing features like Garbage Collection, Just-In-Time compilation, Exception Management and a wide array of fully featured languages such as VB.NET and C# that are used
Features
Windowing environment:
· Multiple processes occurring within an application (i.e. timers, data transmission and retrieval, video loading).
· Cross-browser compatibility
· Rapid development & deployment
· Re-use of existing style sheets (retention of original web site appearance and branding)
· Intuitive data presentation to users via charts, diagrams, video, audio and other formats
· Leverages existing web-based infrastructure to keep implementation costs low
· Re-use existing back-end databases – the only change is the way the data is presented to the user
FEATURES OF RIA :
Ø Run in a web browser, not requiring installation.
Ø Run locally in a secure environment called a sandbox.
Ø Users can use the application from any computer with an internet connection .
Ø Cross-platform availability
Ø Fast interface response time with no page refresh
Ø Common UI behaviors like drag & drop and the ability to work online and offline
Ø Common calculation that happens on the client (e.g., an insurance rate calculator)
Ø Instant update of the application
Applications
· Financial Services
· Auto Dealerships
· Mortgage Firms
· Customer survey forms
· Email forms
· Video Distribution (branding/licensing)
· Remote training services
· Customer service (live two-way video, chat & assistance)
· _Virtual Desktop Environments
· CRM/ERP front-end applications
RIA TOOLS
· Silverlight
· Flex
· AJAX (DOM with framework like GWT)
· Java FX
· OpenLazlo
· Macromedia Flash Player