agenda the realities of modern ajax what does state of the art ajax look like? myth busting subtle...
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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
XPlugin
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