Rich Internet Applications (RIA)
are Web-based applications that have some characteristics of graphical desktop
applications typically run with plug-ins, Site Specific Browsers etc. The plug-in provides library
routines for rich graphics support as well as a container that limits access to
local resources for security purposes. RIAs have the ability to run more
extensive and complex client-side code than possible in a normal Web
application, thus providing the opportunity to reduce the
load on the Web server.
Adobe Flash, JavaFX and Microsoft Silverlight are currently the three most common
Rich Internet Application platforms.
These Internet Applications work on Smartphones, Smartbooks, Tablets, Netbooks
and PC.
Students are using rich application
development platforms to make their web projects more responsive, interactive
and easier to access on web. With modern
tools, they can create complex application screens using a variety of mixed
media such as multiple fonts, bit-map and vector graphic files, animations,
online conferencing, audio and video. Java Script, AJAX, Microsoft Silverlight, JSON etc are
powerful tools for application development .
From software development perspective RIA
follows a standard software development model with rich controls that include
powerful data and multimedia capability to present a rich set of information.
From design perspective, RIA delivers highly customizable output with a CSS
(Cascading Style Sheet) based model
Rich Internet applications (RIAs) offer a rich, engaging
experience that improves user satisfaction and increases productivity. Using
the broad reach of the Internet, RIAs can be deployed across browsers ,
desktops and make the internet access easier.
