Apache Flex: For Whom Do I Write ?

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

For Whom Do I Write ?

Software Development Community (Photo credit: Michael Kappel)

Background

In 2005, I was building Java based Web applications for fetching information using SAP services. To execute my application I need to deploy it to Java EE Server and when the user requests the app.

It would require an small JavaScript footprint to load and HTML code generation in backend before the application screen would be displayed to the user. Users can perform operations on SAP systems by performing actions such as clicking a button or submitting a form, the input data was send to SAP back end in the form HTTP request with XML payload, and after processing this input the result would be delivered to the user via HTTP responses again in XML format which needs to be interpreted in the client side to be displayed in human readable form.

The available technologies was unable to provide satisfactory experience to my customers as lot of delay was involved at the client side for loading high volume data. Presentation of data in charts and graphs was often resulting in browser crashes. The results were often ugly and uninteresting to look at.

I started evaluating different technologies to improve my existing applications. I didn't wanted to use plain JavaScript / HTML due to code manageability issues as my applications would have large and complex code base, was requiring enterprise quality.

I did some prototypes using open source framework OpenLaszlo. But found it little risky to invest my time and effort into it as I was not sure about the roadmap and commitment of open source community. Flex was a great alternate to openLaszlo as it was backed by enterprise (started by Macromedia and later Adobe till 2011).

I started working on Flex Framework and results were impressive cross browser and cross platform web user interfaces (later desktop integration through AIR and mobile also arrived).

Now as many competitive technologies have matured and its worth reviewing Flex and what lessons we can learn from this great developer friendly technology.

Who should read my Blogs

Java Project Managers and Architects working on Java projects.
Product manager & Product owners working on Web & Mobile applications / products
Enterprise IT team members.
Tech-savvy managers, architects and developers looking for the best Rich Internet Application platforms for their projects
Senior professionals from software development organization units exploring about benefits of mobility and RIAs and what it takes to port existing applications for mobile devices and to RIAs.
and Finally for Decision makers responsible for the success of their online businesses, (both external or internal facing).