Rich Internet Applications

 Rich Internet Applications

A Rich Internet Application (RIA) can be defined as an application that combines the functionality and stability of desktop software with scale and economy of Web Applications.

Standard Web Applications (Web Sites), though fit for purpose, have short comings in terms of the users' expectations. These expectations have developed from experience with desktop software, which allows good user interface design and functionally. However desktop software also has a number of downsides including isolation operation (only to the computer hosting the software) and how to regularly update and maintain the software.

A RIA allows users to engage the application using the skills and experiences established via desktop software and reap the benefits and accessibility of a Web Application.

I have developed a number of RIA, including a visual search engine, instant messaging service and sales reporting tool. However RIA can be developed for almost any concept, providing a richer, more enjoyable, more beneficial user experience.

Completed Projects

Real-time Chat Application

Project Description: Real-time chat application to allow users to hold online discussions from remote locations.

Work Completed: This project took discussion forums to the next level. When using a traditional discussion forum, the user 'posts' a message and then has to wait for a reply. This application allows groups of registered people to meet in a room and discuss a topic in real-time. The discussion can be lead by a nominated person who also has a number of administrator privileges, such as being able to send a reminder email to a user to encourage them to join the discussion.

Technologies Used: Flash, ColdFusion, Flash Remoting.

Visual Search Engine Application

Project Description: A graphical search application that allows a user to search the data using a visual interface.

Work Completed: The client had information relating to various organisations around the world. Originally this information was searched via a standard text and keyword search. However I created an interactive world map to allow the organisation information to be represented and searched for visually. The user simply clicks on the continent they are interested in and then can filter the data shown using a series of check boxes. The entire system is dynamic allowing the client to add, modify and delete the organisation data. The changes are then instantly reflected on the graphical application. This system is very good in giving the user a overview of the data and the ability to identify trends in the data that would not be seen using a traditional search method.

Technologies Used: Flash, ColdFusion and Flash Remoting.

Contact me about a Rich Internet Application project

If you have a project, please click the 'Proposal' button to view a form that will allow you to submit your contact details and an outline of the project you are proposing.