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[leamas]

I'm trying to figure out what RIA (Rich Internet Application) really means.

Does anyone know EXACTLY what defines an application to be "rich"? Every resource I come across seems to have a different opinion about determines a rich application.

Comments

[crassadon]

Rich: Usable by multiple programs, without any degradation, even though it may not allow some features a more specific filetype would allow.
Example: Rich Text Format, which will appear the same across many different text editors.

Alternative definition;
Rich: Useful as a marketing tool for your snazzy new program; after all, who would want to use those ancient filetypes, anyway.
Example: Rich Text Format, which is not supported by modern text editors, like OpenOffice.

I guess it means something until people decide they don't want it to mean anything anymore. I suppose a Rich Internet Application is one that would run the same across operating systems and browsers.