Rich Internet Applications

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.

These are simplified versions of the concepts of software-as-services/RIAs . . . software tools, hosted elsewhere than on your own computer, accessible from anywhere you've a connection to the Internet. These are the first three KISS has developed, with Team Solution Software to be a third quarter launch.

Rental Solutions Cape Cod	Innovative Features	Fully Featured Admin Control
Google Map dynamic feature - - each property listing is marked on the map for easy visuals, and the marker balloons out with excerpt of property details - - very neat!	Two ways to locate properties - - generally browse, or conduct a drilled down, very specific search. Makes things easy and fast for the renter.	Site owner manages his or her own business via a password-protected Administrative Panel. Process monthly account payments manually, or set it to automatic to run on its own – owner's choice.
	Visit: www.RentalSolutions-CapeCod.com

Team Solution Software	Innovative Features	Fully Featured Admin Control
Task-centric, keeping all Team Members in your company on the same page, sharing calendar, files, documents, client and contact information, and staying in touch via secure internal messaging.	Let's each Team Member know what just happened and what's hot for quick response whether Team Members are in-house or telecommuting.	Accounts easily managed by the boss, who decides which Team Members have which privileges within the account. No web master necessary, no Help Desk needed.
	Visit: www.TeamSolutionSoftware.com

Golf Time Ireland	Innovative Features	Fully Featured Admin Control
Golf courses open accounts, list their tee times, photos and Pro Shop items for sale. Golfers pick the course, reserve tee times, buy a golf shirt and a dozen balls, and pays for everything on line. Just has to show up on time, pick up his purchase, and head to the first tee.	System manages the reservation, sends a confirmation to the golfer along with receipt, and copies all go to the Pro Shop and the Starter.	Golf Course managers run their own accounts, enter tee times only once, with the ability to block out times for tournaments or phone reservations for members, and to control inventory for Pro Shop sales. Couldn't be easier.
	Visit: www.GolfTimeIreland.com