Jim, Thanks for the link. Now I get where they're going. It's like the 'ubiquitous stack player' we sometimes chat about around here. One that can download and run stacks just by clicking on a link. They're providing the distribution service along with a UDDI type directory service -- while charging a toll along the way (when commerce is involved).
They've correctly identified the limits of such a device - specifically focussed in the security sandbox area. While interesting, I'll be very surprised if it really takes off. I have seen this model before, and it's a very difficult one to make work. Lot's of companies have spent a lot of $$$ trying to launch similar products (dodots, thePort, IBM to name a few). But, then again, the Flash community is very large, and there are some creative types out there. Course, I still can't find any public Web Services which I would want to embed in a Flash (or RR) app. Not sure that Emperor (WS) is wearing all that much right now. Here are a couple of very intersting things to watch for. 1) How big is the main download going to be? 2) How 'intrusive' will it be? Will it auto-install in the sysTray? Will it 'check for updates' without permission? Will it have *any* spyware? 3) How long before hackers can figure a way to spread viruses using the tool. It *will* happen. 4) How will Macromedia respond when it does get hacked? 5) How will Macromedia deal with content? Will *they* censor specific content, such as porn, mp3s or hacker tools, etc? This is potentially a tough one, with some serious legal consequences both ways. <ramble> Recently, I looked at purchasing an IO pen from Logitech. But was immediately turned off by the ~20Mb .NET installation required. I suppose it was developed using C# -- so now I have to install 20Mb just so the programmers don't have to keep track of their pointers;-). Basically, all the software does is download JPG's from the pen to my computer via USB --- 20Mbs! You got to be kidding! I'm currently knee deep in the client side of a content management system rewrite and using RR. When finished, it will be an excellent example of the success of client interfaces vs. browser interfaces. Basically the exact stuff Richard Gaskin wrote about (and Scott Raney as well). Interesting to note, it's amazing how user expectations of clients vs. browser (form based) interfaces are so far apart. While typical web form application interface is pretty much a no-brainer these days, crafting the same functionality (and of course making it significantly easier to use), is not only a challenge, but one which users will voice the limitations of quickly! </ramble> Chipp _______________________________________________ use-revolution mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.runrev.com/mailman/listinfo/use-revolution
