Whether you have a full web application or a simple data-collection form, you may want to consider turning it into an Rich Internet Application that will run outside the browser.

That’s right, the next generation of web apps will be the ones that you don’t need a browser to use.

In fact, Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) can use a new technology, created by Adobe, called AIR (Adobe Integrated Runtime) which allows it to act more like regular software.

What are Rich Internet Applications?

According to Wikipedia.com:

Rich Internet applications (RIA) are Web applications that have the features and functionality of traditional desktop applications. RIAs typically transfer the processing necessary for the user interface to the Web client but keep the bulk of the data (i.e., maintaining the state of the program, the data etc) back on the application server.

To put it in less technical terms, a RIA will feel like a regular application and not have to constantly reload or change from page to page to make it work. In general, RIA’s also have more powerful interfaces compared to standard web pages or web apps.

In other words, RIAs are much more user-friendly.

See RIAs in Action!

Chances are you’ve probably already used a Rich Internet Application. Below is a list of some RIAs you may be familiar with:

• Gmail - Webmail client for Google’s email service
• Meebo - An instant messaging client for multiple platforms
• Outlook Web Access - The webmail client used in Microsoft’s Exchange Server
• RoundCube - Webmail Client Project
• Yahoo! Mail (beta) - A webmail client for Yahoo!’s email service
• Windows Live Hotmail - Webmail client for Microsoft’s email service

What is Adobe AIR?

In basic terms, AIR allows you to turn a Rich Internet Application into a desktop application that can run on all Operating Systems.

Whether are looking to create a small or large application, there is no denying that AIR may be the future of Internet applications.

In fact, a number of major players have already starting riding the wave of browserless web applications:

• Anthropologie - Powerful online shopping with Allurent.
• eBay - eBay on your desktop.
• AOL
• NASDAQ
• SalesForce.com
• American Cancer Society
• And many more…

To really understand what this technology can do, download the apps above and explore them. If you want to find additional examples of how companies can use these technologies, you can view Adobe’s AIR Showcase.

Why should I think about using these technologies?

There are a few benefits that make this technology really stand out:

• Without browsers there are no browser-compatibility issues
• Using the Adobe Flex Framework, you have a full library of User Interface elements available for Rapid Application Development
• Full control over the presentation. Your application will run and look the same on all machines all operating systems
• AIR and RIAs can be developed using existing programming languages (HTML, AJAX, Flash, and Flex)
• Your software your branding, no browser
• Your competition may already be developing using these technologies and sail ahead as an early adopter

What if I’m not a developer?

If you are interesting in pushing your application to the cutting-edge or need a developer who understands the technologies required, please contact us at Chief Ingredient for more information.