A rich internet application (RIA) is a web based application designed to bring the same features and functions generally connected with desktop applications.
RIAs normally segregate the dispensation across the Internet/network by locating the user interface and related movement and potential on the client side, and the data exploitation and operation on the application server side.
The Web 2.0 revolution has elevated the order for improved user experience (UX), usability and better communication. And this in twirl has put strain on web developers to look for new technologies and tools to congregate the demand. Web developers nowadays are progressively using technologies such as Adobe Flash/Flex, Java, and Ajax etc for creating web applications called RIAs or Rich Internet Applications.
A Rich Internet Application allocates a respectable proportion of the application to perform on the user's local system. The application for the client is designed to execute functions that develop the user's experience.
Advantages of RIAs
• They offer an attractive and interactive user experience without page reloads or refreshes
• RIAs reduces difficulty of data - users can interactively visualize and influence complex data more successfully
• Users get instant and energetic visual feedback of their actions
• They run on browsers, no software is needed
• Web users can vaguely supervise and scrutinize data through a web based system
• RIA merges the best of desktop and web. As web does not prohibit anyone, RIA automatically becomes cross-platform
• Low cost operation
• Tasks can be completed quicker
• Faster search and filtering
RIAs have the capability to convey online users’ full-fledged functionalities like a desktop application through interactive, rich and intelligent interface.