Over the next couple of months I will be taking an in depth look at the next generation of web applications, Rich Internet Applications (RIAs). Web technology is rapidly changing to support many of the programming techniques and languages used to create an RIA and all the major players have a hand in it. The widespread adoption of AJAX and Adobe’s Flash has paved the way for the future of the Web and it is going to be one heck of a ride.

For those of you not familiar with RIAs let’s start off defining them. Wikipedia defines RIAs as web applications that have features and functionality similar to traditional desktop applications. RIAs typically transfer the necessary processing for the user interface (UI) to the web client but keep the bulk of the data back on the application server.

This isn’t a glorious definition as it does not mean much to anyone other than resident computer nerd sitting in his basement right now trying to hack the CIAs central database. There is actually much more to RIAs as they come in many shapes and forms and have many benefits to users. They range from simple websites that have incorporated AJAX eliminating page refreshes to complex applications deployed to users’ desktops whose primary data storage and processing occurs over the Web.

OK, I know what you are saying. Enough talking man!! Give me some examples!! Well, if you are talking about the internet then you have to talk Google. Some great examples of RIAs are Google’s Docs, Spreadsheets, and Gmail. These applications perform in nearly the exact same fashion as the traditional Microsoft Office desktop applications Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Here at Rockfish we are incorporating many of these technologies to produce applications for our clients as well as ourselves. If you have some time you should check out Fourthbook.com and Filesend.us.

Now that I have wet your appetite a little, I hope you will check back soon to read more about RIAs. In my next entry I will outline many of the emerging and existing technologies that are being utilized to create this breed of more engaging, user-centric, and responsive Web applications. This isn’t your parents Web anymore!