To run a browser a PC power state is more essential

And if the workstation came tomorrow to a simple Internet browser The technologies created to improve the interactivity of the Web sites have transformed Internet real platform applicative. "Recent versions of major browsers such as Internet Explorer or Firefox are compatible with a set of so-called"Web 2.0"technologies that allow to execute programs which ergonomics has nothing to envy to the classic Windows software," explains Loïc de Kergommeaux, technical director of SCC France.

To designate a computer with such a browser, the industrial speak of "rich Web client. Rather than download HTML pages one after the other, a rich Web client that connects to a "Web 2.0" application downloads bits of window and assembles them on a single screen as a classic application. Currently, Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) is the most widely used client-server architecture for this type of development on the Internet. Messaging software, word processing, etc., a multitude of start-up offer compatible applications and need to connect on their site to launch the application in question. "The rich Web client will revolutionize the desktop", provides Loïc de Kergommeaux.

Enterprise, Web 2.0 applications hosted on a server benefit from the advantages of centralized computing. Available free on all operating systems (Windows, Mac OS, Linux, etc.), Web browsers can be installed on any type of material. "An application is deployed instantly as soon as it is published on the Internet or on the corporate intranet." "All workstations have access to any update," says Loïc De Kergommeaux.

A single interface

Another asset, employees have a unique interface, regardless of the computer used. "There is more need to train employees to manipulate multiple interfaces, this could be a source of error", explains Renaud Phelizon, chargé de mission in Cigref, the computer Club of large French companies. A final point fort is that the data of the users reside in one place and are therefore always up-to-date. "This allows to put an end to the nightmare of synchronizations", said Louis Naugès, President of Microcost, consulting firm specialized in the reduction of it costs. According to him, within four to five years, the network will offer a flow rate of 100 Mbps and will be available 95 of the time. "Course, when it will fall down, it will not work more." "But it's the same thing today when there is a power failure," he says.

Among the handicaps, the main concerns the security of the data. "Be that critical information can reside on company networks and not on servers of providers", summarizes Loïc de Kergommeaux. Companies must also choose the right development tools. In the browser, the technological choices are transparent but, in the phase of development, there are a multitude of competing tools (Open Ajax, Atlas, etc.). "Large accounts will have to invest in the right skills, because lose technologies will die," said Renaud Phelizon.

According to Louis Naugès, rich Web client is a technology failure and four to five years, companies can hope to divide the cost of job by 10. "The potential is enormous." "The challenge for the company will be successful industrialization" view Loïc de Kergommeaux.

"Access objects".

If businesses have much to gain, the PC industry and especially Microsoft have much to lose. To run a browser, a PC power state is more essential. "The PC will gradually be replaced by"access objects"that specifically meet the needs of employees", predicted Louis Naugès (see page 29).

For Microsoft, the rise of Web 2.0 applications is a real threat. Office automation software, leading to a significant portion of its revenues, may switch on the Internet. Technically, the firm of Redmond is the best position to operate this revolution. Microsoft is the owner of the most used Office formats in the world (Word, Excel, etc.) and has a comprehensive Ajax development environment called Atlas, which allowed him to propose to its hotmail subscribers a very successful Web 2.0 email client. But it cannot relinquish day overnight and without compensation to revenues from the sale of software licenses (see below). "Microsoft releases out of the great innovations on the Internet." "It is clear that he is follower", analysis Louis Naugès. The major risk for him is of course to be suddenly taken speed by a competitor. "These are very rarely in place leaders who bring the most radical breaks and winning solutions," said Renaud Phelizon.