Agenda The Realities of modern Ajax What does state of the art Ajax look like? Myth busting Subtle & strategic concerns with Plugins The Hybrid Strategy Leverage the latest technology Stay with standards Avoid dead-end technologies

Myth: Plugins go beyond the Browser Browser X Plugin

Reality: Ajax Leverages all Plugins Browser Ajax Silverlight Flex Java

Reality: Plugins Create Silos Java in Flex? Doesn’t work Flex in Silverlight? Doesn’t work Plugins as primary interface technology Prevent integration with applications/sites Can’t pick best of breed components Unacceptable to certain customers/partners Ajax: Universal Integration Platform

Myth: Ajax is Hard Reality: Easy with right framework SmartClient: No Cross-Browser Issues Full software lifecycle insulation Custom components through theming/branding Only JavaScript required, or.. SmartGWT: write Ajax RIAs in Java Use full Java toolset Feels like Java Swing Maximally leverage existing skills Cutting edge RIA, existing staff

Myth: Ajax Tools Lacking Reality: Tools are now excellent All browsers now have Firebug clones SmartClient Visual Builder Build applications in a browser Easy enough for semi-technical users Zero install, collaborative development SmartClient Aptana/Eclipse Plug-in Code assist (autocompletion) Wizards and Snippets

Demo: Visual Builder Drag and drop visual development Customizable, web-based builder Clean code for further refinement

Myth: Ajax is Slow SmartClient: Ajax RIAs in 2002 Dynamic OLAP cube navigation in browser More sophisticated than most plugin demos Runs in IE6 on 1GHz Ajax RIAs Today Browser + hardware 200x faster Faster than plugins for many use cases Faster on “secondary” platforms Reality: Ajax 200x faster than it needs to be

Demo: SmartClient CubeGrid Sophisticated in-browser analytics Drag and drop, on-the-fly reporting Wraps a plugin technology for charts

Myth: Plugins needed for feature X Reality: Standards caught up, overtaking HTML5 and other standards: Offline Support Video & Sound Vector Graphics Animation & Visual Effects Binary Bi-directional Comm

Myth: Plugins needed for feature X Early implementations of all of the above already exist in production browsers Ajax wrappers allow consistent, standards- based access to future capabilities, today All browser vendors rapidly implementing standards Feature parity or lose market share Currently vying for the “fastest JavaScript” crown

The Future of Plugins? Required reasons to use them vanishing Standards advancing rapidly Ajax wrapper approach compelling Installed base in trouble? Silverlight, HTML5, JavaFX fracturing core video delivery, gaming reasons for Flash install New versions start at 0% adoption, enterprise uptake is much slower than consumer uptake Ajax & standards a safer long term bet

Ajax makes strategic sense You will be using Ajax Spot enhancements Incremental upgrade Ajax handles RIAs easily, today Ajax advancing rapidly in capability Ajax avoids silos, and is a safer long run bet

Strategy Summary Use Ajax as primary interface technology Use Ajax wrappers to provide standard interfaces today, implemented with whatever works best Replace any plugin-based implementations with standards over time, without disruption

What Now? Take a fresh look at Ajax Great Tools No More Cross-Browser Headaches Very Rich Think strategically Where do I get maximum flexibility? What skills do I want for my staff, long run? Define or Re-evaluate Your Strategy