Cloud Talk

One of my 2009 predictions is the rise of Rich Internet Applications (RIAs). If you're not familiar with RIAs, here's a quick summary.

The phrase "Rich Internet Application" was first coined by developers from Macromedia in 2002. Early incarnations of RIA centered around the use of Macromedia Flash MX Client but today, the notion of RIA is less about specific technology and more about the user experience. Conceptually, the RIA web client offers a departure from the static HTML page experience by supporting rich content, interactivity and the kind of responsiveness typical of desktop applications (at least the way desktop apps are intended to run).

Many of the RIA web clients have been limited to widgets, gadgets and small utility apps targeted to consumer markets. However, I believe that's just scratching the surface of its true potential. The impact of RIAs will be absolutely revolutionary for SaaS applications.

Here are a few reasons why I think so -

1. RIA introduces new modes of user interactions . SaaS applications offer many advantages but a rich, interactive user experience isn't typically one of them. Most first generation SaaS applications suffer from a stifled user experience due to the limitations of a thin, HTML based client. Many of these tactically apply AJAX to improve the interactivity but the overall experience is still limited. A complete RIA implementation actually changes modes of interaction and experience. This means user interfaces that freed up to utilize, where appropriate, "drag & drop" canvas, rich hover overs, client side data validation, etc... It doesn't replace good, thoughtful design but the point is that technology isn't the gating parameter to the best user experience possible.

2. RIA offers better handling for large volumes of data. Some of the advantages of a richer, thick client implementation aren't simply about aesthetics. It also offers the advantage of handling and displaying large volumes of data through client side caching. The net effect is a more responsive user experience. Think of a scenario where you've run a complex report with a large result set covering multiple pages. The user then wants to try sorting by different columns. In a typical thin client implementation, you're possibly looking at multiple calls back to the server. Not so with a RIA implementation - you can manipulate the result set on the client side and offer a more responsive user experience.

3. RIA opens the opportunity to work in disconnected mode. Even with cloud based applications, there are use cases where working in disconnected mode makes sense. The one advantage of a desktop application has is the opportunity to work even when you have no access to the Internet. As ubiquitous as Internet access appears to be these days, it's still not available when you're on a plane. Through RIA client implementations, the next generation of SaaS applications will be able to address these use cases.

Check out the some of the leading RIA applications out there and imagine the possibilities -
280slides -> A cool online presentation app
Google Maps -> You know it well, but did you know it was a RIA?
SlideRocket -> Smoking hot online presentation app.
Photosynth -> RIA example from Microsoft