It's All Geek To Me - January 31st 2007

Rich Internet Applications (RIA's)
By Michael McGrath

Software as services . . . Rich Internet Applications. . . businesses in a box.
You've read those words in the news, or perhaps on our website, but the thought occurred to me you might not know what they mean. I'd like to help you with that today as we announce the January launch list at KISS. More on that in a moment, but first, those terms.

The Wiki definition of a Rich Internet Application (RIA) is simple enough: a web application that has the features and functionality of traditional desktop applications. What does that really mean, though? I have a couple of examples that might put this into focus.

Some of you probably use Outlook, or Thunderbird for your email needs. In order to use one of these email clients, though, you first had to install the software in your computer, and once installed it became one of your desktop applications. Now, let's distinguish this from Gmail. You can send and receive email through your Gmail account, just as you can with Outlook and Thunderbird, but you didn't have to install any software on your computer to do so. You simply opened an account, and you were in business. You didn't need to be at your own computer for this, either . . . you had access to it wherever you had an Internet connection.

Some of you use Microsoft Word for your word processing needs, developing text documents, writing letters or reports. In order to use it, though, you first had to install it on your computer. Once installed, it became another of your desktop applications. If you have a Gmail account, you also have access to Google's Docs and Spreadsheets. This is an online service with a word processor and spreadsheet program, as well as storage space for any documents prepared using these tools. They require no software installation on your computer, and you can access the services and your storage folders from anywhere, not just at your own computer. Yet, they work for you just as an installed desktop application works.

These are simplified versions of the concepts of software-as-services/RIAs, and yet I think they help clarify the notion. . . software tools, hosted elsewhere than on your own computer, accessible from anywhere you've a connection to the Internet. In these examples, the tools are free of charge. Let's move to the next level in this discussion, then.

SugarCRM is a good example of an online tool at that next level. It is a customer relationship management tool in which a company may purchase an account; within that account, configurations for multiple users are possible. So, for instance, a company with 10 staff, some of whom are "on the road," may purchase an account in the SugarCRM system, and create 10 users within that account, each of whom would have the ability to access all of the CRM tools like a common calendar, all customer data, a "to do" list, the ability to message among users, and more. That company would not have to install any software on any of the user's computers, desktop or laptop; yet, all would have access to the software tools, accessible from anywhere and any machine so long as they knew the login information.

This should help bring the notion into better focus, now. Let's look again at the Wiki definition . . . a web application that has the features and functionality of traditional desktop applications. These simple examples put that definition into action. I'm going to guess many of you have been using these tools for quite some time, and now you have a name to put to them. Many believe this is the future of software development, also. Although it has limitations (a subject for a later column), there is merit to this belief. Whether it will sound the death knell for desktop computers (again, a subject for a later column) remains to be seen, but as we become more accustomed to technological mobility and telecommuting, the need for web-based services will increase.

For almost two years now, KISS's web site has discussed what we originally referred to as "businesses in a box." Over that time, we've been busy fleshing out the concepts, designing and developing systems, and standing ready to deliver products with the hope that entrepreneurs would come along to buy.

During the first week of January, we launched a total of seven new sites, and to our knowledge it represents the single largest launch month for KISS: Shepley Wood, McCarthy Speaking, Unitel Communications, Pearson Financial Services, Great Locations Rentals, Rental Solutions Ireland, Rental Solutions UK.

Among this list, the latter two are of RIA significance. KISS's Rental Solutions Software, and its delivery system, have been under development for some time now, and these are the first two web sites utilizing that delivery system. Owners, real estate agents and property auctioneers, may open accounts in the system to list their properties, upload photos, enter availability and accept full paid bookings online, all for a modest monthly fee. The integration of a Google map displays listings by balloon markers, allowing renters the ability to locate the property quite accurately using the zoom feature. Additionally, the web sites are able to sell banner ad space to generate additional revenues. A Rental Solutions site and system is nearly ready for launch for our own area here on Cape Cod, MA, and sites are under development now for Spain and Portugal for launch later in the year.

Early in February, KISS will be launching a second RIA model based in the golf industry. The system will offer accounts to golf courses for the listing and "live" booking of tee times, and will include shopping cart functionality for the course's Pro Shop. A golfer will be able to search for a tee time at any member's golf course, book and pay for it, reserve a buggy or caddy, and order a branded golf shirt or sweater, or a dozen golf balls to have ready when he arrives for his appointed round. The first site is based in Ireland, where there are over 400 golf courses; a second site and system are under development for Cape Cod, MA, as well.

Each of these systems is available for sale for any other region world wide. If interested, we'd love to hear from you. KISS has four other RIA models at various stages of progress intended for release later in 2007 and early in 2008. KISS's new web site, presently under development, is intended to serve as both an informational vehicle and a promotional tool for both the general development of RIA business models, and for the particular RIA business models in the works.