Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
Someone might have mentioned this already, but I haven't seen it. If you want some of the functionality of Flex (i.e. forms, data grid, etc...) and cost is an issue, then ColdFusion MX 7 could be an option for you. It has a very cut down version of Flex built into it and accessible via ColdFusion tags, however you can still build some pretty good app's with it - if budget is an issue. Also, there are plenty of companies providing ColdFusion MX 7 hosting. Check out the team over at ASFusion (http://www.asfusion.com/) who are really doing some cool stuff using ColdFusion MX 7 Flash Forms! Also, http://www.cfform.com/. On 29/09/05, Scott Barnes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 9/29/05, Tariq Ahmed [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well I don't know if I would venture to dirt cheap. What other systems are you referring to? See SAP for starters, then once you jump that hurdle, now look at anything with the word ORACLE in it. If you're enterprise, and building mission critical apps, and especially if it affects financial performance and need to be SOX compliant you're basic setup is: - 1 Development WS - 1 QA Server - High Availability Setup (at least 2 load balanced machines). - Disaster Recovery Site (min 1 web server). If you're using decent hardware with 4CPU Xeons, you've got 5 machines * 4 cpus/ea = 20 CPUs * $15K/cpu = $300 000. You would have to REALLY boost automation, workflow efficiency, etc... to recuperate the cost of Flex licensing and Flex application development (not everyone is Scott Barnes level super coder) vs a CF/Whatever based solution. Not to say that it can't be done, and I'm You'd still outlay the same costs if not more with a HTML based solution such as CFMX. Furthermore, if you are to comply with SOX you have to jump through a bit more hurdles in authenticating the HTML solution is immune to various DOS attacks (injection attacks, packet sniffing the works). Then you have resources and costs associated to building a HTML application. If you are going down the path of the AJAX momentum, good luck in comparing the two. I'm also talking about systems which have a status Please turn off in 1 year, no ifs, no but's. These do exist in enterprise, whereby a legacy green system is currently turned on and there is about a handful of people left in the world who know what it does, its that system the IT Director is scared off the most and nearly faints when the LED's on the outer box suddenly goes out... Point is, something has to replace it and typically the cowboy approach is lock one self into a proprietary solution. Salvaging existing systems is extremely delicate and at times hard, and the main trip up is simply that whatever gets put in its place isn't agile enough to cope with not only replacement but growth. Some do, some cope really well and some praise technologies like .NET for salvation. Other times its just this mutated be-spoked solution comprising of part HTML and part other that realistically is hopeless at best in terms of getting data in and out. We at omniEffect specialise in using FLEX to reach out and touch existing backend systems but provide a uniform view. If you think about a users daily routine how many UI's do they go in and out of just for farming data. How peoples perception of how data can be accessed is simply due to whats been handed down to them by someone who probably should never of had the job of deciding how UI works. In stead, if you provide a uniform view that reaches out and touches multiple assets within an Enterprise, you now stand a better chance of circumventing a lot of issues. Through FLEX you could also provide a much easier and accessible way to improve on Business Processes in general? does that save money? most of the time its a tick for yes. In some Ent Solutions its extremely hard to get a simple report, and to do so its this monolithic task, which can be at times put into the too hard basket (thus we see these faction(s) of MS Access databases, excel spreadsheets existing..all open to screw ups, resulting in say, a general ledger being slightly inaccurate!)... FLEX provides a visual input into business intelligence and it may not be profitable, it just maybe enough to break even on. Yet, it can allow folks the ability to move forward, to treat their backend as content instead of this mutated ball of part UI part Logic. The main problem with FLEX today, is its not really being pushed as much as it should. There are too many Kiosk style applications floating around the net as look here, this is a great example of flex... which is great...yet if you put these examples into perspective and outlay say 300k as Tariq put it, it starts looking like probably a bad ROI. To me FLEX so far is this powerful tool that every ones too scared to use. Mission critical systems? hmm, I'm a realist in saying that the chances of FLEX getting that much prime time within a
RE: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
WARNING: This message contains little-to-no helpful information and for the most part is a rant. The problem with Flex pricing isn't the price itself. The problem is it's model. Most development I have seen is only using Flex as a compiler, not a service. Most applications would actually perform better if developers simply compiled locally using mxmlc and then used non-Flex technologies like Remoting or openAMF on their production servers. More developers, able to develop in this architecture, need to bring this up with Macromedia. Macromedia needs to understand that we are willing to pay them for the CPUs that we compile on, but it is just ridiculous to expect us to pay for the servers serving those static swf files. Flash is a client-side technology. It has nothing to do with servers and therefore CPU pricing makes no sense. What if I were to build a desktop application compiled using Flex? Is Macromedia telling me that I need to pay for each one of my user's CPUs? I am holding my breath hoping that Zorn fixes this problem. Kevin -Original Message- From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Niklas Richardson Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2005 4:43 AM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives Someone might have mentioned this already, but I haven't seen it. If you want some of the functionality of Flex (i.e. forms, data grid, etc...) and cost is an issue, then ColdFusion MX 7 could be an option for you. It has a very cut down version of Flex built into it and accessible via ColdFusion tags, however you can still build some pretty good app's with it - if budget is an issue. Also, there are plenty of companies providing ColdFusion MX 7 hosting. Check out the team over at ASFusion (http://www.asfusion.com/) who are really doing some cool stuff using ColdFusion MX 7 Flash Forms! Also, http://www.cfform.com/. On 29/09/05, Scott Barnes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 9/29/05, Tariq Ahmed [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well I don't know if I would venture to dirt cheap. What other systems are you referring to? See SAP for starters, then once you jump that hurdle, now look at anything with the word ORACLE in it. If you're enterprise, and building mission critical apps, and especially if it affects financial performance and need to be SOX compliant you're basic setup is: - 1 Development WS - 1 QA Server - High Availability Setup (at least 2 load balanced machines). - Disaster Recovery Site (min 1 web server). If you're using decent hardware with 4CPU Xeons, you've got 5 machines * 4 cpus/ea = 20 CPUs * $15K/cpu = $300 000. You would have to REALLY boost automation, workflow efficiency, etc... to recuperate the cost of Flex licensing and Flex application development (not everyone is Scott Barnes level super coder) vs a CF/Whatever based solution. Not to say that it can't be done, and I'm You'd still outlay the same costs if not more with a HTML based solution such as CFMX. Furthermore, if you are to comply with SOX you have to jump through a bit more hurdles in authenticating the HTML solution is immune to various DOS attacks (injection attacks, packet sniffing the works). Then you have resources and costs associated to building a HTML application. If you are going down the path of the AJAX momentum, good luck in comparing the two. I'm also talking about systems which have a status Please turn off in 1 year, no ifs, no but's. These do exist in enterprise, whereby a legacy green system is currently turned on and there is about a handful of people left in the world who know what it does, its that system the IT Director is scared off the most and nearly faints when the LED's on the outer box suddenly goes out... Point is, something has to replace it and typically the cowboy approach is lock one self into a proprietary solution. Salvaging existing systems is extremely delicate and at times hard, and the main trip up is simply that whatever gets put in its place isn't agile enough to cope with not only replacement but growth. Some do, some cope really well and some praise technologies like .NET for salvation. Other times its just this mutated be-spoked solution comprising of part HTML and part other that realistically is hopeless at best in terms of getting data in and out. We at omniEffect specialise in using FLEX to reach out and touch existing backend systems but provide a uniform view. If you think about a users daily routine how many UI's do they go in and out of just for farming data. How peoples perception of how data can be accessed is simply due to whats been handed down to them by someone who probably should never of had the job of deciding how UI works. In stead, if you provide a uniform view that reaches out and touches multiple assets within an Enterprise, you now stand a better chance
Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
This is a commercial alternative solution based on Java: http://www.canoo.com/ulc/ Regards On 9/27/05, Anupam [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all, Is there any alternative to Flex server, except the (very expensive) one provided by MM? Are there any other options? Have all the members of this group who are using Flex bought it/evaluating it? Or is there any other option like a compatible freeware? I know freeware versions of Flash Remoting do exist, is there anything for Flex? Thanks, Anupam. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Get Bzzzy! (real tools to help you find a job). Welcome to the Sweet Life. http://us.click.yahoo.com/A77XvD/vlQLAA/TtwFAA/nhFolB/TM ~- -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
It DOES affect the developer - few companies can afford the high prices and you are out of a job. I think at the moment pointless for any developer to learn Flex with the few limited opportunities. The place I am currently working is the only one in town that does this work. I think if you look on any of the job boards there will be next to nothing. To them Flex still means a working condition (i.e. flex hours!) Unless an open source/hosting environment can be established, I think it is doomed. So far Flex is far too niche to have any traction. The open source community/IBM seems to have chosen Laszlo. Microsoft and Sparkle is on its way. Macromedia has wasted the head-start they had. Once the Microsoft propaganda machine kicks into gear... Just having a superior product does not translate into a viable product. my 2c On 9/28/05, Tracy Spratt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The issue of cost doesn't affect the developer since you can get the perpetual developer license for free. The cost is a major issue when you go to put a commercial application in production, and there is currently no alternative (if using Flex) You can apply for a non-commercial license if that is your situation. Tracy -Original Message- From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Anupam Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 10:32 PM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives Hi all, Is there any alternative to Flex server, except the (very expensive) one provided by MM? Are there any other options? Have all the members of this group who are using Flex bought it/evaluating it? Or is there any other option like a compatible freeware? I know freeware versions of Flash Remoting do exist, is there anything for Flex? Thanks, Anupam. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS Visit your group flexcoders on the web. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com SPONSORED LINKS Web site design development Computer software development Software design and development Macromedia flex Software development best practice YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS Visit your group "flexcoders" on the web. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
RE: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
I think flex was targeted as niche intentionally. Not every product can or should be target for the largest possibly audience. In this case, a new field of technology with many unknownsat least until youve banged out a couple of releases to get a handle on the path you need to follow. Take a look at public info on Zorn and flash platformIm sure well see a modified approach based on their experience over the past couple of years. -Stace From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jonathan Bezuidenhout Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2005 12:05 PM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives It DOES affect the developer - few companies can afford the high prices and you are out of a job. I think at the moment pointless for any developer to learn Flex with the few limited opportunities. The place I am currently working is the only one in town that does this work. I think if you look on any of the job boards there will be next to nothing. To them Flex still means a working condition (i.e. flex hours!) Unless an open source/hosting environment can be established, I think it is doomed. So far Flex is far too niche to have any traction. The open source community/IBM seems to have chosen Laszlo. Microsoft and Sparkle is on its way. Macromedia has wasted the head-start they had. Once the Microsoft propaganda machine kicks into gear... Just having a superior product does not translate into a viable product. my 2c On 9/28/05, Tracy Spratt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The issue of cost doesn't affect the developer since you can get the perpetual developer license for free. The cost is a major issue when you go to put a commercial application in production, and there is currently no alternative (if using Flex) You can apply for a non-commercial license if that is your situation. Tracy -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS Visit your group "flexcoders" on the web. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
RE: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
This actually depends upon the feature set you use. If you use the webservices proxy, http proxy or remoteobjects, then the Flex server is actually doing something at runtime. In the projects that we've done to date, we have never used any of these features for a number of reasons. The protocol issues of remoteobjects make them a nonstarter for us. If we need to access a web service on another site, we just create a wrapper web service on our server that proxies for us. The Flex machine itself frequently becomes something of a passthrough so that we can balance the load behind that box and not have any sandbox/licensing issues. I'm with you that the model makes little sense given that you don't have to use the runtime features of Flex whatsoever. It looks like Zorn will address this. Carson Carson Hager Cynergy Systems, Inc. http://www.cynergysystems.com Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Office: 866-CYNERGY ext. 89 Mobile: 1.703.489.6466 -Original Message- From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kevin Langdon Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2005 8:03 AM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives WARNING: This message contains little-to-no helpful information and for the most part is a rant. The problem with Flex pricing isn't the price itself. The problem is it's model. Most development I have seen is only using Flex as a compiler, not a service. Most applications would actually perform better if developers simply compiled locally using mxmlc and then used non-Flex technologies like Remoting or openAMF on their production servers. More developers, able to develop in this architecture, need to bring this up with Macromedia. Macromedia needs to understand that we are willing to pay them for the CPUs that we compile on, but it is just ridiculous to expect us to pay for the servers serving those static swf files. Flash is a client-side technology. It has nothing to do with servers and therefore CPU pricing makes no sense. What if I were to build a desktop application compiled using Flex? Is Macromedia telling me that I need to pay for each one of my user's CPUs? I am holding my breath hoping that Zorn fixes this problem. Kevin -Original Message- From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Niklas Richardson Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2005 4:43 AM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives Someone might have mentioned this already, but I haven't seen it. If you want some of the functionality of Flex (i.e. forms, data grid, etc...) and cost is an issue, then ColdFusion MX 7 could be an option for you. It has a very cut down version of Flex built into it and accessible via ColdFusion tags, however you can still build some pretty good app's with it - if budget is an issue. Also, there are plenty of companies providing ColdFusion MX 7 hosting. Check out the team over at ASFusion (http://www.asfusion.com/) who are really doing some cool stuff using ColdFusion MX 7 Flash Forms! Also, http://www.cfform.com/. On 29/09/05, Scott Barnes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 9/29/05, Tariq Ahmed [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well I don't know if I would venture to dirt cheap. What other systems are you referring to? See SAP for starters, then once you jump that hurdle, now look at anything with the word ORACLE in it. If you're enterprise, and building mission critical apps, and especially if it affects financial performance and need to be SOX compliant you're basic setup is: - 1 Development WS - 1 QA Server - High Availability Setup (at least 2 load balanced machines). - Disaster Recovery Site (min 1 web server). If you're using decent hardware with 4CPU Xeons, you've got 5 machines * 4 cpus/ea = 20 CPUs * $15K/cpu = $300 000. You would have to REALLY boost automation, workflow efficiency, etc... to recuperate the cost of Flex licensing and Flex application development (not everyone is Scott Barnes level super coder) vs a CF/Whatever based solution. Not to say that it can't be done, and I'm You'd still outlay the same costs if not more with a HTML based solution such as CFMX. Furthermore, if you are to comply with SOX you have to jump through a bit more hurdles in authenticating the HTML solution is immune to various DOS attacks (injection attacks, packet sniffing the works). Then you have resources and costs associated to building a HTML application. If you are going down the path of the AJAX momentum, good luck in comparing the two. I'm also talking about systems which have a status Please turn off in 1 year, no ifs, no but's. These do exist in enterprise, whereby a legacy green system is currently turned on and there is about a handful of people left in the world who know what it does, its that system the IT Director
Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
at MAX almost 50% of the sessions are about Zorn or include Zorn some how, I'm sure we'll all have a clear picture of what the future holds after MAX. // sam robbins // pixelconsumption Clint Modien wrote: According to Mike Chambers @ MM Zorn will http://weblogs.macromedia.com/mesh/archives/2005/08/will_zorn_requi.cfm On 9/29/05, *Kevin Langdon* [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: WARNING: This message contains little-to-no helpful information and for the most part is a rant. The problem with Flex pricing isn't the price itself. The problem is it's model. Most development I have seen is only using Flex as a compiler, not a service. Most applications would actually perform better if developers simply compiled locally using mxmlc and then used non-Flex technologies like Remoting or openAMF on their production servers. More developers, able to develop in this architecture, need to bring this up with Macromedia. Macromedia needs to understand that we are willing to pay them for the CPUs that we compile on, but it is just ridiculous to expect us to pay for the servers serving those static swf files. Flash is a client-side technology. It has nothing to do with servers and therefore CPU pricing makes no sense. What if I were to build a desktop application compiled using Flex? Is Macromedia telling me that I need to pay for each one of my user's CPUs? I am holding my breath hoping that Zorn fixes this problem. Kevin -Original Message- From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com mailto:flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:flexcoders@yahoogroups.com mailto:flexcoders@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Niklas Richardson Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2005 4:43 AM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com mailto:flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives Someone might have mentioned this already, but I haven't seen it. If you want some of the functionality of Flex (i.e. forms, data grid, etc...) and cost is an issue, then ColdFusion MX 7 could be an option for you. It has a very cut down version of Flex built into it and accessible via ColdFusion tags, however you can still build some pretty good app's with it - if budget is an issue. Also, there are plenty of companies providing ColdFusion MX 7 hosting. Check out the team over at ASFusion (http://www.asfusion.com/) who are really doing some cool stuff using ColdFusion MX 7 Flash Forms! Also, http://www.cfform.com/. On 29/09/05, Scott Barnes [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 9/29/05, Tariq Ahmed [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well I don't know if I would venture to dirt cheap. What other systems are you referring to? See SAP for starters, then once you jump that hurdle, now look at anything with the word ORACLE in it. If you're enterprise, and building mission critical apps, and especially if it affects financial performance and need to be SOX compliant you're basic setup is: - 1 Development WS - 1 QA Server - High Availability Setup (at least 2 load balanced machines). - Disaster Recovery Site (min 1 web server). If you're using decent hardware with 4CPU Xeons, you've got 5 machines * 4 cpus/ea = 20 CPUs * $15K/cpu = $300 000. You would have to REALLY boost automation, workflow efficiency, etc... to recuperate the cost of Flex licensing and Flex application development (not everyone is Scott Barnes level super coder) vs a CF/Whatever based solution. Not to say that it can't be done, and I'm You'd still outlay the same costs if not more with a HTML based solution such as CFMX. Furthermore, if you are to comply with SOX you have to jump through a bit more hurdles in authenticating the HTML solution is immune to various DOS attacks (injection attacks, packet sniffing the works). Then you have resources and costs associated to building a HTML application. If you are going down the path of the AJAX momentum, good luck in comparing the two. I'm also talking about systems which have a status Please turn off in 1 year, no ifs, no but's. These do exist in enterprise, whereby a legacy green system is currently turned on and there is about a handful of people left in the world who know what it does, its that system the IT Director is scared off the most and nearly faints when the LED's on the outer box suddenly goes out... Point is, something has to replace it and typically
Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
Laszlo touts itself as being an alternative, but it's not even in the same league. Not sure what happened to KineticFusion, don't hear about it much. - Original Message - From: Anupam [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 10:31 PM Subject: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives Hi all, Is there any alternative to Flex server, except the (very expensive) one provided by MM? Are there any other options? Have all the members of this group who are using Flex bought it/evaluating it? Or is there any other option like a compatible freeware? I know freeware versions of Flash Remoting do exist, is there anything for Flex? Thanks, Anupam. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Get Bzzzy! (real tools to help you find a job). Welcome to the Sweet Life. http://us.click.yahoo.com/A77XvD/vlQLAA/TtwFAA/nhFolB/TM ~- -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
RE: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
The issue of cost doesn't affect the developer since you can get the perpetual developer license for free. The cost is a major issue when you go to put a commercial application in production, and there is currently no alternative (if using Flex) You can apply for a non-commercial license if that is your situation. Tracy -Original Message- From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anupam Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 10:32 PM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives Hi all, Is there any alternative to Flex server, except the (very expensive) one provided by MM? Are there any other options? Have all the members of this group who are using Flex bought it/evaluating it? Or is there any other option like a compatible freeware? I know freeware versions of Flash Remoting do exist, is there anything for Flex? Thanks, Anupam. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Get Bzzzy! (real tools to help you find a job). Welcome to the Sweet Life. http://us.click.yahoo.com/A77XvD/vlQLAA/TtwFAA/nhFolB/TM ~- -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
RE: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
My issue is with the deployment cost. So the only alternative for small-time Web application developers is to have their own servers for deployment. I am surprised that not many people are talking about it. It seems people are happy with the status-quo, ie. paying huge amounts to MM. I am also disappointed that there aren't many more 3rd party providers of Flex servers. Anupam. --- Tracy Spratt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The issue of cost doesn't affect the developer since you can get the perpetual developer license for free. The cost is a major issue when you go to put a commercial application in production, and there is currently no alternative (if using Flex) You can apply for a non-commercial license if that is your situation. Tracy -Original Message- From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anupam Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 10:32 PM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives Hi all, Is there any alternative to Flex server, except the (very expensive) one provided by MM? Are there any other options? Have all the members of this group who are using Flex bought it/evaluating it? Or is there any other option like a compatible freeware? I know freeware versions of Flash Remoting do exist, is there anything for Flex? Thanks, Anupam. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Get Bzzzy! (real tools to help you find a job). Welcome to the Sweet Life. http://us.click.yahoo.com/A77XvD/vlQLAA/TtwFAA/nhFolB/TM ~- -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
RE: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
Out of curiosity, what is it that Flex would provide you with that you couldn't use Flash to achieve? I mean, in your particular case? From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of AnupamSent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 1:55 PMTo: flexcoders@yahoogroups.comSubject: RE: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives My issue is with the deployment cost. So the only alternative for small-time Web applicationdevelopers is to have their own servers for deployment. I am surprised that not many people are talking about it. It seems people are happy with thestatus-quo, ie. paying huge amounts to MM.I am also disappointed that there aren't many more 3rd party providers of Flex servers.Anupam.--- Tracy Spratt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The issue of cost doesn't affect the developer since you can get the perpetual developer license for free. The cost is a major issue when you go to put a commercial application in production, and there is currently no alternative (if using Flex) You can apply for a non-commercial license if that is your situation. Tracy -Original Message- From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anupam Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 10:32 PM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives Hi all, Is there any alternative to Flex server, except the (very expensive) one provided by MM? Are there any other options? Have all the members of this group who are using Flex bought it/evaluating it? Or is there any other option like a compatible freeware? I know freeware versions of Flash Remoting do exist, is there anything for Flex? Thanks, Anupam. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS Visit your group "flexcoders" on the web. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
RE: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
On the contrary, this was a serious issue for a lot of people but that has since calmed down. You might want to look at technologies like Zorn that are based on Flex and aimed at lower end needs. Carson Carson Hager Cynergy Systems, Inc. http://www.cynergysystems.com Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Office: 866-CYNERGY ext. 89 Mobile: 1.703.489.6466 -Original Message- From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anupam Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 10:55 AM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives My issue is with the deployment cost. So the only alternative for small-time Web application developers is to have their own servers for deployment. I am surprised that not many people are talking about it. It seems people are happy with the status-quo, ie. paying huge amounts to MM. I am also disappointed that there aren't many more 3rd party providers of Flex servers. Anupam. --- Tracy Spratt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The issue of cost doesn't affect the developer since you can get the perpetual developer license for free. The cost is a major issue when you go to put a commercial application in production, and there is currently no alternative (if using Flex) You can apply for a non-commercial license if that is your situation. Tracy -Original Message- From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anupam Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 10:32 PM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives Hi all, Is there any alternative to Flex server, except the (very expensive) one provided by MM? Are there any other options? Have all the members of this group who are using Flex bought it/evaluating it? Or is there any other option like a compatible freeware? I know freeware versions of Flash Remoting do exist, is there anything for Flex? Thanks, Anupam. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Get Bzzzy! (real tools to help you find a job). Welcome to the Sweet Life. http://us.click.yahoo.com/A77XvD/vlQLAA/TtwFAA/nhFolB/TM ~- -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Get Bzzzy! (real tools to help you find a job). Welcome to the Sweet Life. http://us.click.yahoo.com/A77XvD/vlQLAA/TtwFAA/nhFolB/TM ~- -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
Yo. Well as mentioned there was HUGE sticker shock when MM doubled the price, and a lot of complaining. But MM is aiming at large Enterprises that can afford it. Similarly you can complain to Ferrari to drop the prices of their cars... but if you wanna role with the high end you gotta shell out the dough. There is a slew of alternatives out there too (Droplets, Xamalon/XAML/Sparkle, Laszlo, JSF, XUI, XUL based stuff, SwixML, Thinlets, XSWT,Luxor,Keystone,Jazilla,Vexi,Ajax,etc). As a consumer of course I want cheaper prices, and hopefully stiff competion will pressure MM to drop the price of Flex. And hopefully with the next version of Flex we'll see some FLEXible pricing options (eg serverless solution via Zorn, etc...). fingers crossed Anupam wrote: My issue is with the deployment cost. So the only alternative for small-time Web application developers is to have their own servers for deployment. I am surprised that not many people are talking about it. It seems people are happy with the status-quo, ie. paying huge amounts to MM. I am also disappointed that there aren't many more 3rd party providers of Flex servers. Anupam. --- Tracy Spratt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The issue of cost doesn't affect the developer since you can get the perpetual developer license for free. The cost is a major issue when you go to put a commercial application in production, and there is currently no alternative (if using Flex) You can apply for a non-commercial license if that is your situation. Tracy -Original Message- From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anupam Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 10:32 PM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives Hi all, Is there any alternative to Flex server, except the (very expensive) one provided by MM? Are there any other options? Have all the members of this group who are using Flex bought it/evaluating it? Or is there any other option like a compatible freeware? I know freeware versions of Flash Remoting do exist, is there anything for Flex? Thanks, Anupam. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Fair play? Video games influencing politics. Click and talk back! http://us.click.yahoo.com/T8sf5C/tzNLAA/TtwFAA/nhFolB/TM ~- -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
Tariq, Thanks for the long list of alternatives. Some of them actually look promising. Which one in your view comes closest to the gizzmos provided by Flex? My point is, I didn't see this group talk about alternatives. One way to put pressure on MM is to support an open source/3rd party version that is equivalent in functionality. I am not necessarily looking for a branded product, I just want to get the job done. Anupam. --- Tariq Ahmed [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yo. Well as mentioned there was HUGE sticker shock when MM doubled the price, and a lot of complaining. But MM is aiming at large Enterprises that can afford it. Similarly you can complain to Ferrari to drop the prices of their cars... but if you wanna role with the high end you gotta shell out the dough. There is a slew of alternatives out there too (Droplets, Xamalon/XAML/Sparkle, Laszlo, JSF, XUI, XUL based stuff, SwixML, Thinlets, XSWT,Luxor,Keystone,Jazilla,Vexi,Ajax,etc). As a consumer of course I want cheaper prices, and hopefully stiff competion will pressure MM to drop the price of Flex. And hopefully with the next version of Flex we'll see some FLEXible pricing options (eg serverless solution via Zorn, etc...). fingers crossed Anupam wrote: My issue is with the deployment cost. So the only alternative for small-time Web application developers is to have their own servers for deployment. I am surprised that not many people are talking about it. It seems people are happy with the status-quo, ie. paying huge amounts to MM. I am also disappointed that there aren't many more 3rd party providers of Flex servers. Anupam. --- Tracy Spratt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The issue of cost doesn't affect the developer since you can get the perpetual developer license for free. The cost is a major issue when you go to put a commercial application in production, and there is currently no alternative (if using Flex) You can apply for a non-commercial license if that is your situation. Tracy -Original Message- From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anupam Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 10:32 PM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives Hi all, Is there any alternative to Flex server, except the (very expensive) one provided by MM? Are there any other options? Have all the members of this group who are using Flex bought it/evaluating it? Or is there any other option like a compatible freeware? I know freeware versions of Flash Remoting do exist, is there anything for Flex? Thanks, Anupam. __ Yahoo! for Good Donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. http://store.yahoo.com/redcross-donate3/ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Fair play? Video games influencing politics. Click and talk back! http://us.click.yahoo.com/T8sf5C/tzNLAA/TtwFAA/nhFolB/TM ~- -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
Well I don't know if I would venture to "dirt cheap". What other systems are you referring to? If you're enterprise, and building mission critical apps, and especially if it affects financial performance and need to be SOX compliant you're basic setup is: - 1 Development WS - 1 QA Server - High Availability Setup (at least 2 load balanced machines). - Disaster Recovery Site (min 1 web server). If you're using decent hardware with 4CPU Xeons, you've got 5 machines * 4 cpus/ea = 20 CPUs * $15K/cpu = $300 000. You would have to REALLY boost automation, workflow efficiency, etc... to recuperate the cost of Flex licensing and Flex application development (not everyone is Scott Barnes level super coder) vs a CF/Whatever based solution. Not to say that it can't be done, and I'm sure it can (reminder: I am a huge Flex proponent); but looking at things from a business sense it has to be measureable and provable. Eg I made one Flex app that compared to what was there before saves about $200K/yr, but how much more it would save over a CF based solution is hard to measure. So when trying to sell to management the sexy $300K Flex solution vs the not as sexy $15K CF solution which gets the job done - you have to account for at least a $285Kdifference. Because the opportunity cost is that $285K could have bought you 3 or 4 more developers for that year and double your development capacity which could have resulted in a bunch more apps that save or make money that aren't addressed for that year. Bla bla Bla... $300K is a TOUGH sell even for Enterprises with the deepest of pockets, and it can be done obviously, but 'dirt cheap' in my humble opinion is understanding it a we bit. :) Scott Barnes wrote: I've been absolutely [EMAIL PROTECTED] off with the price when it first hit us, that being said i've now truly seen what FLEX does in terms of cost savings in much larger "Enterprise Service" orientated systems, and i'm now retracting my position, simply put, FLEX is dirt cheap compared to some other systems being sold on the market today that have less capabilities. -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com SPONSORED LINKS Web site design development Computer software development Software design and development Macromedia flex Software development best practice YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS Visit your group "flexcoders" on the web. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
Check out this article: http://www.lukew.com/resources/WebApplicationSolutions.pdf If you search long enough you'll find some slides from a presentation some guy did which I wish I bookmarked which talks about all the offerings and their strengths and weaknesses (it's fairly neutral). Anupam wrote: Tariq, Thanks for the long list of alternatives. Some of them actually look promising. Which one in your view comes closest to the gizzmos provided by Flex? My point is, I didn't see this group talk about alternatives. One way to put pressure on MM is to support an open source/3rd party version that is equivalent in functionality. I am not necessarily looking for a branded product, I just want to get the job done. Anupam. --- Tariq Ahmed [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yo. Well as mentioned there was HUGE sticker shock when MM doubled the price, and a lot of complaining. But MM is aiming at large Enterprises that can afford it. Similarly you can complain to Ferrari to drop the prices of their cars... but if you wanna role with the high end you gotta shell out the dough. There is a slew of alternatives out there too (Droplets, Xamalon/XAML/Sparkle, Laszlo, JSF, XUI, XUL based stuff, SwixML, Thinlets, XSWT,Luxor,Keystone,Jazilla,Vexi,Ajax,etc). As a consumer of course I want cheaper prices, and hopefully stiff competion will pressure MM to drop the price of Flex. And hopefully with the next version of Flex we'll see some FLEXible pricing options (eg serverless solution via Zorn, etc...). fingers crossed Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Most low income households are not online. Help bridge the digital divide today! http://us.click.yahoo.com/cd_AJB/QnQLAA/TtwFAA/nhFolB/TM ~- -- Flexcoders Mailing List FAQ: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/files/flexcodersFAQ.txt Search Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexcoders%40yahoogroups.com Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flexcoders/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
RE: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
Ill have to say I do agree with Scott, Ive seen any number of companies out there that havent got a clue as to what they currently have, let alone try to bring them into the same realm. However, I will have to admit, when I started this contract, it was with the intent of having more hardware, budget has been affected with Flex, but Im not sure how much yet. I wont have a lot of users on the entire system. I currently have them going into the web server, which connects to the Flex/J2EE server and a MS SQL Server. I use the MS SQL server as the back end, the Web server (running .NET) as the middle tier, and the Flex for UI. With less then 200 users tops on the system, do you think I should buy more lic. And upgrade to multiple CPUs? Please tell me how to justify the expense if this setup isnt going to work, or is going to be unsatisfactory. The current footprint on the client is 50K so Im really trying to get this thing done ( I hate programs that take more then 64k) Lets get this thing so that everybody can use it. James http://www.24x7-systems.com From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Scott Barnes Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 6:19 PM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives To be blunt, FLEX was never built for Web Application Developers in the mainstream web environment. Its purpose was to take existing backend systems and provide a unified view infront of the user, allowing all disparate systems to some how come together as one, bringing balance to the force so to speak. Yet, post-release people started to see a lot of potential surrounding FLEX and its ability to deliver to a much wider audience. That being said, Macromedia aren't dumb and they do listen to the fact that price is still a sore point for the web-agency-world and hopefully with Zorn this will also bring a new lease on life for Flash Platform. ` I've been absolutely [EMAIL PROTECTED] off with the price when it first hit us, that being said i've now truly seen what FLEX does in terms of cost savings in much larger Enterprise Service orientated systems, and i'm now retracting my position, simply put, FLEX is dirt cheap compared to some other systems being sold on the market today that have less capabilities. Through FLEX you can spend about $50k USD all up (seems like a lot), yet it gives you the ability shift perception on how content has been displayed to how it can be displayed, resulting in a point of difference that most competitors for commercial-grade systems suddenly dont have. On top of that, it can now allow folks to upgrade mainframes UI that have signs Do not Touch on them (ie they are so old that its hard to find folks to develop UI enhancments to them, so why not instead employ some java guys to write an api for it, then use FLEX as your UI?computer FLEX against the entire workload ahead of you, and you start seeing its really the smallest piece in the puzzle). Point is this, FLEX price model is out of reach for mainstream web, its sad atm, but it wasn't done for a dastardly reason...it was probably done because Macromedia didn't want to spread itself too thin amongst the different markets and needed to keep the eye on the ball (Enterprise would probably generate more revenue/profits). Zorn by all appearance is going to shift that, its going to give folks like yourself the ability to bite into the forbidden fruit. It just requires patience for its release now :) On 9/29/05, Anupam [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My issue is with the deployment cost. So the only alternative for small-time Web application developers is to have their own servers for deployment. I am surprised that not many people are talking about it. It seems people are happy with the status-quo, ie. paying huge amounts to MM. I am also disappointed that there aren't many more 3rd party providers of Flex servers. Anupam. --- Tracy Spratt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The issue of cost doesn't affect the developer since you can get the perpetual developer license for free. The cost is a major issue when you go to put a commercial application in production, and there is currently no alternative (if using Flex) You can apply for a non-commercial license if that is your situation. Tracy -Original Message- From: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com [mailto:flexcoders@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Anupam Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 10:32 PM To: flexcoders@yahoogroups.com Subject: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives Hi all, Is there any alternative to Flex server, except the (very expensive) one provided by MM? Are there any other options? Have all the members of this group who are using Flex bought it/evaluating it? Or is there any other option like a compatible freeware? I know freeware versions of Flash Remoting do exist, is there anything for Flex? Thanks, Anupam
Re: [flexcoders] Flex Server Alternatives
On 9/29/05, Tariq Ahmed [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well I don't know if I would venture to dirt cheap. What other systems are you referring to? See SAP for starters, then once you jump that hurdle, now look at anything with the word ORACLE in it. If you're enterprise, and building mission critical apps, and especially if it affects financial performance and need to be SOX compliant you're basic setup is: - 1 Development WS - 1 QA Server - High Availability Setup (at least 2 load balanced machines). - Disaster Recovery Site (min 1 web server). If you're using decent hardware with 4CPU Xeons, you've got 5 machines * 4 cpus/ea = 20 CPUs * $15K/cpu = $300 000. You would have to REALLY boost automation, workflow efficiency, etc... to recuperate the cost of Flex licensing and Flex application development (not everyone is Scott Barnes level super coder) vs a CF/Whatever based solution. Not to say that it can't be done, and I'm You'd still outlay the same costs if not more with a HTML based solution such as CFMX. Furthermore, if you are to comply with SOX you have to jump through a bit more hurdles in authenticating the HTML solution is immune to various DOS attacks (injection attacks, packet sniffing the works). Then you have resources and costs associated to building a HTML application. If you are going down the path of the AJAX momentum, good luck in comparing the two. I'm also talking about systems which have a status Please turn off in 1 year, no ifs, no but's. These do exist in enterprise, whereby a legacy green system is currently turned on and there is about a handful of people left in the world who know what it does, its that system the IT Director is scared off the most and nearly faints when the LED's on the outer box suddenly goes out... Point is, something has to replace it and typically the cowboy approach is lock one self into a proprietary solution. Salvaging existing systems is extremely delicate and at times hard, and the main trip up is simply that whatever gets put in its place isn't agile enough to cope with not only replacement but growth. Some do, some cope really well and some praise technologies like .NET for salvation. Other times its just this mutated be-spoked solution comprising of part HTML and part other that realistically is hopeless at best in terms of getting data in and out. We at omniEffect specialise in using FLEX to reach out and touch existing backend systems but provide a uniform view. If you think about a users daily routine how many UI's do they go in and out of just for farming data. How peoples perception of how data can be accessed is simply due to whats been handed down to them by someone who probably should never of had the job of deciding how UI works. In stead, if you provide a uniform view that reaches out and touches multiple assets within an Enterprise, you now stand a better chance of circumventing a lot of issues. Through FLEX you could also provide a much easier and accessible way to improve on Business Processes in general? does that save money? most of the time its a tick for yes. In some Ent Solutions its extremely hard to get a simple report, and to do so its this monolithic task, which can be at times put into the too hard basket (thus we see these faction(s) of MS Access databases, excel spreadsheets existing..all open to screw ups, resulting in say, a general ledger being slightly inaccurate!)... FLEX provides a visual input into business intelligence and it may not be profitable, it just maybe enough to break even on. Yet, it can allow folks the ability to move forward, to treat their backend as content instead of this mutated ball of part UI part Logic. The main problem with FLEX today, is its not really being pushed as much as it should. There are too many Kiosk style applications floating around the net as look here, this is a great example of flex... which is great...yet if you put these examples into perspective and outlay say 300k as Tariq put it, it starts looking like probably a bad ROI. To me FLEX so far is this powerful tool that every ones too scared to use. Mission critical systems? hmm, I'm a realist in saying that the chances of FLEX getting that much prime time within a company this early in the game, is probably a risk unto itself. There isn't a lot of skillbase in the market yet to drive home its power as so far we have seen probably a lot of backend developers suddenly become Flex developers which is scary..not because they are dumb, far from it, it takes a whole new mindset to play in the RIA world as we are stuck between half-website and half-thickware application. FLEX is dirt cheap to someone who's staring at a huge backend system that's been told in order to upgrade, you must implement this weird HTML/JS based solution... In my opinion, FLEX 2.0 will give us a better stance in FLEX goes Prime Time, but that's another discussion. If all we are using FLEX for is a simple replacement to an existing HTML
