Application delivery |
Applications can be easily discovered, explored, and used. |
Installed applications have more persistence, power, and functionality. |
Installation |
No application installation is necessary. |
Applications are installed seamlessly from the browser or downloaded from a marketplace for installation. |
Application updates |
Applications are updated by pushing new content to a website. |
AIR provides APIs that allow applications to be updated easily. |
Multiple platform support |
Applications run on multiple operating systems, browsers, and devices. |
AIR applications are cross-platform, can be contextual, and can be installed and run on multiple platforms and devices. |
Programming languages |
JavaScript is provided by browsers, and ActionScript® is provided by Adobe Flash® Player software. |
Integrated JavaScript and ActionScript virtual machines are compatible with the browser. |
Background capability |
RIAs can run only in a visible browser window. |
Applications can run in the background or provide notifications. |
Persistence |
Activity is limited to the browser session. When the browser is closed, information is lost. |
RIAs are installed and available on the device. They can store information locally and operate offline. |
Device integration |
Applications are sandboxed, so device integration is limited. |
Applications can access a local file system, device APIs, input methods and mechanisms, and more. |
User interface control |
RIAs run within a browser window that has its own controls, branding, and integration with the device. |
RIAs have a customizable user interface and device integration, enabling branded experiences. |
Data storage |
Applications have limited local storage, which the browser can destroy. |
Applications have unlimited local storage and access to a local database, plus encrypted local storage. |