In case you are looking for rich internet application technologies then one can opt for either Ajax or Adobe. Ajax should be the choice for those experienced web developers looking forward to evolve existing web applications whereas Adobe is aimed at overhauling complete web experience. Early adopters can opt for Ajax whereas firms requiring support from large vendors should go for Adobe. The final decision should be based on time to market requirements.

Ajax can be opted for since it re factors existing web applications, delivers speedy performance and meets time to market needs but it also introduces certain risks. Certain risks associated with Ajax are increased testing cost for Ajax due to cross browser compatibility issues, problems in finding better Ajax development tool and even choosing the wrong Ajax framework. On the other hand Adobe turns out to be an attractive rich internet application solution since it combines Flex with Flash and has been found out to work quite well for large scale RIA, improved developer productivity and collaboration with designers and has been evolving as a predictable trajectory. But wait a minute even Adobe is also not perfect since there might be flash upgrade issues and it might be difficult to find flex developers since they command a premium price in the market.

While choosing the best RIA technology Ajax should be opted for in case where updates occur frequently and time to market is critical whereas in case of large scale user productivity applications the developer should opt for Flex.