TY - JOUR T1 - Using JavaScript Toolkits to Create Rich Internet Applications JF - Open Source Business Resource Y1 - 2009 A1 - Owen Byrne AB - Since 2004, the number of Rich Internet Applications has increased, making them a key component of the Web 2.0 phenomenon. Many RIAs have been developed using JavaScript and AJAX. AJAX is used to access remote data sources, that reside on the server or are available through an open API, directly from within the application. The rich variety of applications would not be available today without the concurrent appearance of many, powerful JavaScript toolkits that have taken the development of these applications from labour-intensive to nearly painless. These toolkits provide an open source alternative to the proprietary products developed by Adobe (Flash/Flex/Air) and Microsoft (Silverlight). This article provides two examples that demonstrate the evolution of RIAs, then compares the features of the most commonly used JavaScript Toolkits used to create RIAs. We then discuss how freely available toolkits are able to compete against proprietary alternatives. Finally, we provide some concluding remarks based on our experience with creating enterprise RIAs. PB - Talent First Network CY - Ottawa UR - http://timreview.ca/article/244 IS - April 2009 U1 - Travelpod Owen Byrne is currently Senior Manager of Travelpod Labs. He is probably best known as the co-founder and original developer of digg.com where he was the primary technical decision maker for most of its period of growth, from inception to the Series A financing. Owen holds three degrees from Saint Mary's University and Dalhousie University, as well as an ABD from the University of Manitoba. He has over 20 years experience in software development and managerial roles including a brief stint as a university professor. ER -