Rev vs. AJAX...Or Web-Aware Apps vs. Web Apps

[Trevor DeVore]

On Oct 13, 2005, at 1:54 PM, Dan Shafer wrote:
>
> * generally faster than Web apps
> * not dependent upon a reasonably fast Internet connection
> * not dependent on a server "out there somewhere" being up and  
> running and not overloaded
> * better looking with better user experiences (at least potentially)
> * easier to protect against unauthorized use
> * able to read and write data to and from the user's local drive  
> (which neither Laszlo nor AJAX can do, being confined in a security  
> sandbox)

Dan,

In your list I would elaborate a bit on your last point.  One major  
benefit of a web connected desktop app is the ability to have content  
installed on the computer.  With a web enabled app you can update  
that content when a web connection is available.

My company develops e-learning software that runs inside a Rev  
desktop app.  The full app (all media) can be installed from a CD-ROM  
or the app shell (no media) can be downloaded from the internet.  The  
application can then gradually install media as the user views  
content or receive updates to the elearning materials (database and  
media files) over the internet.  What clients love is that once the  
user disconnects from the web they can still use their learning  
materials.
We cater to the medical industry where internet connections are not  
always available in offices or out in the field so this is a must.


-- 
Trevor DeVore
Blue Mango Multimedia
trevor at mangomultimedia.com