What’s wrong with SaaS apps built in Flex?
Posted by Alex Chriss on December 8, 2008
Since we chose a Flex Framework to integrate with the Intuit Partner Platform, I’ve heard from a handful of developers and end-users that Flex-based apps can’t be successful. Apps built in Flex are uncomfortable, too non-conformist, too blurry, etc etc, for some users. Jane McCarty just posted saying:
“My opinion…if one is going to use flash, it should be in small elements around a framework of web standards such as HTML & CSS. Fast, clean, simple and effective.”
I kind of like apps built in Flex. I agree that they don’t look like a traditional “HTML” web apps, but that works for me in certain situations. To me, they’re sexy and fast and work like a real app should – they feel like an app, not just a browser…And the more I play with AIR apps such as TweetDeck and our upcoming AIR communication app from Intuit, the more I really like both Flex and Air. What are the best examples of all-Flex apps that you use?
Tech Spheres 
Jack said
http://www.sliderocket.com
Alex Chriss said
Jack – YES! I do like SlideRocket a lot…BuzzWord is pretty cool too!
Sean Corfield said
http://www.broadchoice.com/- Flex/AIR collaboration platform.
I’m very proud of our application and our users seem to love it so far!
Alex Chriss said
Sean – looks great – we should see if there’s a good fit on the Intuit Partner Platform
Jane McCarty said
Actually, I reviewed the use of Adobe Flex in data driven apps, not multimedia systems. And I tried to specify why its not that good idea:
http://webappsatwork.blogspot.com/2008/12/is-adobe-flex-next-silver-bullet.html#comments
Alex Chriss said
Got it! I wonder if it’s the Coghead implementation that is odd – I think as a developer you have lots of options in how you implement Flex. Check out Customer Explorer from Universal Mind. This is an app built and deployed on the Intuit Partner Platform. It combines visual elements from Flex and data driven capabilities – would love to see if this changes your mind regarding Flex.
Mike said
We’ve used Flex and Flash in some internal apps for large enterprise clients. The apps are data-driven to a large extent and have both local and remote data synchronization to deal with.
Just like anything – architecture, interface requirements and the “user experience” count more than the technology. Flex is an enabler in many ways.