Name: Anonymous 2008-02-26 0:10
AIR is intended to be a very versatile runtime environment, as it allows existing Flash or HTML and JavaScript code to be re-used to construct a more traditional desktop-like program. Adobe positions it more so as a browserless runtime for rich internet applications (RIA's) that can be deployed onto the desktop, rather than a fully-fledged application framework. The differences between each deployment paradigm provides both advantages and disadvantages over both. For example a rich internet application deployed in a browser does not require installation, while one deployed with AIR requires the application be packaged, digitally signed, and installed to the users local file system. However, this provides unlimited local storage and file system access, while browser deployed applications are limited by how much the browser restricts where data is usually periodically deleted. However, in most cases, rich internet applications store users' data on their own servers, but the ability to consume and work with data on a user's local file system allows for greater flexibility when an application is working offline.
AIR applications can operate offline, and then activate further functionality or upload data when an active internet connection becomes available.
AIR applications can operate offline, and then activate further functionality or upload data when an active internet connection becomes available.