I still understanding a RIA, as an application that let’s the user make something to obtain certain result. Although, i really loved the way you answered back.

Here is your 5 cents.

I suppose I will concede on this issue for now though not without having one last word. I think the big difference in the definitions here is the application in the term RIA. I generally paint with a broad brush, and that has put me at friendly odds with others.

Let’s get definitions straight here. I default to the Oxford English Dictionary definition: Application – noun 1. a formal request to an authority. 2 the action of applying. 3 practical use or relevance. 4 sustained effort. 5 a computer program designed to fulfil a particular purpose.

Using the 5th definition of the word, I’d say my use of the word fits the bill. Nothing specific about the business value nor about being task oriented.

Again, let’s agree to disagree.

Application is a word that describes task oriented software.

While White Void might have similarities with RIAs it is still a website by it’s structure and logic, just a very nice one.

Unfortunately, I’ll have to disagree with you here

application-like behaviour == application-like behaviour
application-like behaviour != application
White-void behavior == engaging, interactive behavior (stateful, pageless, etc).

Applications, or application software enable a user to perform a task or tasks that potentially has some business value. This is the difference between an informative site (despite how engaging it is, it’s a glorified brochure), and a web app that enables you to get stuff done (google.com:search, ebay.com:bid, yahoo_mail:email, etc).

-ekz

I guess we will have to agree to disagree. The Brimlow link is informative but in no way really discusses in depth what a RIA is or isn’t. In fact it seems to only touch on this once as a “stepping stone” into the conversation about Flash in the development role for RIAs.

Here is how I have generally defined a RIA and I think this is a pretty standard way of doing so in the industry. It utilizes the concept that if you know what the constituents of the term R.I.A. stand for, then you can easily determine the basic intent of the item under scrutiny:

- Does it contain Rich Content?
- Is it presented via the Web?
- Does it present application-like behavior such as maintaining state, appears pageless, utilizes highly interactive components, etc?

I think Whitevoid can answer yes to all three of these questions. Whether or not the site in question was built in flex or flash or if it utilizes some framework matters not to the end user. The answers to those three questions above is generally what sets a RIA-ish site apart from the others.

jwopitz