Backbase added official support for Adobe AIR, a new runtime environment from Adobe Systems for deploying rich Internet applications (RIAs). This integration lets applications built on Backbase Enterprise AJAX run as applications on the desktop across various operating systems.

Applications created with Backbase Enterprise AJAX and deployed on Adobe AIR can access desktop file systems, clipboards, drag and drop events, and system tray/notifications. They can store information locally and operate offline. The combination of Backbase Enterprise AJAX and Adobe AIR opens up new opportunities for web application developers to extend their AJAX solutions to the desktop.

Developers will also benefit from the new integration because they can now use a single platform — Backbase Enterprise AJAX — to build both online and desktop applications. “Now developers can use both their AJAX skills and Web technologies like HTML and AJAX to develop desktop applications,” says Michel Gerin, Backbase VP of Marketing. 

Backbase Enterprise AJAX delivers an end-to-end solution for designing, developing and deploying business critical AJAX based RIAs. With an intuitive interface, easy-to-use AJAX tags, and an extensive library of widgets, Backbase increases developer productivity, reduces lead-time for AJAX projects, and leverages existing IT investments.

Applications built and deployed with Backbase Enterprise AJAX and Adobe AIR deliver the best of both worlds. Backbase Enterprise AJAX delivers the features of browser-based RIAs plus speed of development and ease of use. Adobe AIR adds desktop functionality like reading and writing local files, integrating with other applications on an end-user’s computer, and maintaining local data storage on the desktop.

“Applications on Adobe AIR combine the power of local resources with the reach of the Web,” said Robert Christensen, Adobe AIR senior product manager at Adobe. “The union of Backbase Enterprise AJAX with Adobe AIR empowers AJAX developers to use their existing skills and code to build responsive, highly engaging applications on the desktop.”

“The benefits are great” says Gerin. “Enterprise developers and ISVs can boost productivity, extend their market reach, enhance customer satisfaction, improve customer retention, lower costs, and increase profits.”

Best practices and a sample application using Enterprise AJAX with Adobe Air are available on the Backbase Developer Network at: http://www.backbase.com/adobe-air

For more information on Backbase contact Michel Gerin, michel@backbase.com at Backbase.