The dot-com parallels aside, Web 2.0 does have some freshness. Web2.0 is about Rich Internet Architectures. About a different and better way of using the web. About using the web/intranet as a richer resource network than just information or service. About using the net as a more integrated, inter-connected and networked entity with various sites and services inter related. About users collating the information and services to perform required business functions; in a more connected manner spanning multiple sites and services. About richness in user experience, with more usability, richer interactions and GUI.

A defining aspect of Web2.0 is that it puts the users in the middle of the web; rather than on the fringes. From just being a passive consumer of content and services, the web users are now actively contributing to the content. Not just by accessing the sites, but by contributing even programmatically. Flickr is a quintessential Web2.0 app: "Its data and metadata is contributed by its users; while the interface is its own. Its API's are used by developers who tend to use its data, but not the interface (such as Mappr, Color Pickr)."

If web is going to continue evolving, imagine what could be the next step. From passive users we came onto active users. And instead of just accessing websites, we now have APIs that can be used to programmatically manipulate the data on internet sites.

Now, how about, if one could invert the view? Instead of using APIs to access data over the web, can we use APIs to expose the data from the user's desktops onto the web? And do this without losing any of the niceties of the web- like simple access using just browsers, with no user side installation or setup.

To enable such utilization of the web, there is a need for a more evolved web2.0 platform. Beyond what JS may offer. Beyond the glitz offered by the likes of Flash. With a more grounded and tangible utility for serious applications. While still retaining all the power of a simple web based delivery that a simple JS+HTML based UI offers to applications!

There are a few initiatives underway from various companies. Notable examples include Apollo project from Adobe labs and Pramati’s Dekoh platform. Earlier approaches were more JavaScript centric, while Apollo is based on proprietary but popular platform- Flash. And then there is Dekoh, that is based on Standard Java foundations. Am sure there is more to come in this space. The natural evolution will be on the lines of Apollo or Dekoh to extend existing application platforms to transparently support RIA, as shown in the adjoining picture. While still retaining the zero-desktop-dependency model of simple browser based applications. The RIA desktop apps essentially run on the desktop but retain all the freshness and niceness of web 2.0.

Jay Pullur (CEO, Pramati) writes in an article that the RIA platforms can emerge into multiple modes: 1)Served off the desktop OR Served off the web; 2)Uses Web browser OR Standalone client; 3)Platform native OR Cross-platform

Adobe Apollo and Pramati Dekoh are actively working towards bringing the web and desktop more integrated. Blurring the lines between the two. Enabling the desktop to be more integrated into the web, Essentially a "Served off the web" model, but still gain some flexibility offered by "Served off the desktop".

Essentially bringing the web and the desktop more seamlessly aligned- simplifying moving from one to the other transparently. Getting web apps onto the desktop. Getting desktop to be transparently and more actively part of the web. Getting desktop apps to become more virtual- a la web OS. Running remotely, accessible from anywhere.

A space to watch out for more advances and innovation!

By: Ramesh Loganathan,
VP Middleware technologies, Pramati, Hyderabad