What’s an Rich Internet Application?

RIAs are a cross between Web applications and traditional desktop applications, transferring some of the processing to the client end.

Difference between RIA and other applications

• The key difference between RIAs and other Internet applications is the amount of interaction in the interface.


• In a traditional page-based Internet application, interaction is limited to a small set of standard controls such as checkboxes, radio buttons, form fields and buttons.


• An RIA can use a wider range of controls to improve users’ interaction with the interface, allowing efficient interactions, better error management, feedback and overall user experience.