Re: [flexcoders] AJAX versus Flex

[Mark Wales]

Imagine a world where desktop applications and Web applications look and feel the same AND work together seamlessly, then you are on a path that might lead to success. Microsoft is working on doing exactly this - it is just taking them years to deliver on it. AJAX is a place holder because people are bored with the Web the way it currently works. In the delay is Adobe's opportunity and in the boredom is Adobe's challenge. Flex will not be differentiated in the marketplace by building exclusively Web applications that are not much better/different than what you can easily do with Java - especially in light of Google's most recent announcement (http://code.google.com/webtoolkit/). The "killer apps" for Flex will be the ones that don't look and feel any different than people are used to - but do mix graphics, multimedia, drag-and-drop, etc. with all the traditional UI components in ways that are nearly impossible for AJAX to do without lots of customization. As strange as it may sound, one technique would be to use a fixed set of style guidelines - say ones that replicate the Windows look and feel - so that people would be drawn to the interface they know, know how to use, and prefer (vs. HTML) - even while giving the developers behind the scenes a much richer set of tools for implementation. Right now, people see the AJAX-enabled Web application that they recognize as HTML - and then they see a Flex application that looks a little unfamiliar. Let's make it real simple. The AJAX bridge is half of that equation - now give us the set of style settings that are indistinguishable from the Windows equivalent. If people have to choose between a Windows-equivalent application and an HTML one, the choice will be simple. The technology, to the user, is irrelevant. Next, give us applications that work seamlessly between the desktop and the Web. I want interoperability (drag-and-drop and who knows what else) between my Flex-based Web application and my Flex-based desktop applications. I know, SECURITY. Get over it. It's going to happen, IT IS JUST A MATTER OF WHO GETS THERE FIRST. Adobe has all the tools to make this work and really only lacks a loud and cohesive strategy to make it happen. Given that the competition is Microsoft and Google, Adobe really needs a running head start if they want to win. As for garnering public attention, make a really simple and FREE tool that combines, say, Breeze-like collaboration features with a small but extensible suite of Flex applications that do MS Office-like things. Call it a Beta and let it out with the viral marketing approach of Gmail. -Mark On 5/25/06, jwc_wensan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: To all: Got this email today, http://ajax.sys-con.com/ and it got me to thinking. I may get blasted for this, but here goes . . . just my .0199 cents. Let me first say I believe 100% that the Flex platform is a better "mousetrap".  I am currently developing applications with Flex.  I prefer Flex. However, you can not open a software magazine, newsletter, journal, article, etc. that doesn't reference something about AJAX.  It's everywhere.  Adobe's Flex gets an "honorable mention". I have been in the software business for over 27 years.  I have seen many companies come and go that had a better "mousetrap".  I also realize that most end users do not care if a desktop app is developed with Visual C++ or Visual Basic.  So why would they care what a RIA app is developed with.  Probably not. In the end it is the application not the engine. There seems to be a parallel between PCs with Windows and Apple/Macs.  Many believe that the Mac is better, but Apple/Mac has less the 5% of the market. Can Adobe accept 5% market share? You also can not under estimate the impact when Microsoft releases Atlas.  And no Robert I don't want to hear about how you hate MS or the evil empire.  Fact is, tens of thousands of developers will and I say will use their product. What this also does is make it more difficult for developers to convince management that the Flex product is better.  Especially when all they hear is AJAX this and AJAX that. AJAX is getting all the hype.  Right or wrong these are the facts.  They have essentially taken over the RIA landscape and claimed it as their own. My point . . . . Adobe you need to step up to the plate.  If you think you can wait, then by the time you start you will be too far behind.  You will be left behind always playing catch-up.  If you want to reach that 1 million developer goal, it needs to start now. To be better and say you are better is not enough.  If the industry has already declared AJAX as the RIA industry leader then it becomes too late. >From a market perception, look how AJAX has evolved in the last year.  Compare that to Adobe Flex.  Adobe you are asking developers to make a commitment to you, well I think you need to increase your commitment to us. Now is the time to promote to the industry and the general public as a whole about the value of Flex. Again, just my opinion. Sincerely, Jack -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com SPONSORED LINKS Web site design development Computer software development Software design and development Macromedia flex Software development best practice YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS  Visit your group "flexcoders" on the web.    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:   [EMAIL PROTECTED]    Your use of Yahoo! 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