RIA Definition:

The short form of Rich Internet Application is known as RIA. It is in-built within the framework of a Web browser. The RIA eliminates software installation on the client-side to work.

Thus, the RIA was created to deliver the same features and functions normally associated with Desktop applications but much faster, versatile and safe.

Most of the RIAs run their client portions within a special isolated area of the client desktop which is called a Sandbox. The sandbox protects the client’s file and operating system.

Thus it also provides safety to the application server of the client. It may be mentioned here that there are some RIAs that work properly with one or more specific browsers thus it is not for general purposes.

Features/characteristics of RIA:

The RIA has several features. The main features are:

• Web-based applications similar to features/characteristics of graphical desktop applications.

• RIAs are faster and more engaging.

• RIAs offer better visual experience.

• RIAs are more interactive than traditional browser applications that use only HTML and HTTP.

• It splits the processing across the Internet/network divide by locating the user interface.

• The RIA is the client engine that intermediates between the user and the application server.

Main Features of RIA:

The RIAs has several features including:

RIAs Interacts Directly:

RIAs allow a wider range of controls facilitating greater efficiency. To exemplify this point, users can interact directly with page elements including a map, chart, graph, and images through editing or drag-and-drop tools.

It Keeps on Updating the Page Partially:

This is one of the most useful features of the RIA.  It incorporates such benefits like real-time streaming, high-performance client-side virtual machines, and local caching mechanisms. Subsequently, the wait times are reduced, increasing the responsiveness.

Better feedback system:

Because of their ability to change parts of pages without reloading, RIAs can provide the user with fast and accurate feedback, real-time confirmation of actions and choices, and informative and detailed error messages.

Benefit of Offline use:

It can work offline when connectivity is unavailable.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of RIAs?

RIAs perform better than traditional apps. This is a major advantage. However, there are certain disadvantages of RIAs also. Following are major advantages and disadvantages of this system:

The Advantages of RIA:

1. Mobile Access to Information

2. Tracking of Batch and Item Level Made Easier

3. Master Item Synchronization

4. Better Data Visualization

The Disadvantages of RIA:

It has some disadvantages which are following:

1. RIAs sometimes run very fast while displaying content.
2. Often, the customer might not be able to notice what he or she actually wants them to see due to the system’s very fast working.
3. New functionalities require new information.
4. New functionalities require new information putting the user in trouble, at times. 

Briefly history of RIA:

RIA, a term coined in 2002, took several years to progress, mature and finally shape. The first RIA research appeared in 2004 and from 2007, there had been major research on it which further increased after 2009.  

For all practical purposes, the RIA was introduced in 2002 by Macromedia (which later became Adobe Flash).  This term was given in a white paper of March 2002 by Macromedia. 

In Conclusion:

The RIAs allow the client system to handle local activities, calculations, and reformatting jobs thus reducing the amount and frequency of client-server traffic.