Expression power and operativity of function and user interface and the contents etc. which are indicated, are the rich (rich) client software, or client machine environment. There is no clear definition, considerably does the polysemous using, but in many cases static HTML contrasting to function being meager as an application interface, it is used.

Whenit is used vis-a-vis , it means thing such as Windows application of the conventional type which does not use the Web browser, or it is rephrasing language of the fat client (fat client) - - namely the usual desktop PC hardware - -.

In addition when the contents other than the text and the picture, the client software (rich contents client) in order to indicate animation and the 3D contents and the rich contents of movie animated picture and the like is meant in Web, it is.

The rich client as a software has reached the point where it is observed from around 2003 latter half, as the solution for the information system of enterprise.

As for the client/server based system which was used with the enterprise system, when the client quantity increases, from time of the management and the fact thatincrease of cost (TCO) is caused, the Web application which utilizes the Web browser spread quickly. But Web application, because HTML is designated as the base, expression power being meager, causes the confusion of the end user, picture transition is many, it reached the point where the weak point that is pointed out it lowers the productivity of the user from the aspect of unsuitability to keyboard operation and the like. In addition Web application usually, in order to process in the server side, load increase of the server makes demerit.

The rich client is expected this client/as server type system and system below it exceeds the Web application both limit simultaneously.

The method of actualizing the rich client is various, but it is thought the thing which as a general rule satisfies the condition below.

* Operativity and expression power it is rich the Web browser etc. in comparison with
* It is not stand-alone, the server system and function it can cooperate
* In order picture control other things, to process in the client side, it is the design possible
* Consideration has done to the software delivery which lightens the time of version management and installation of the client software

Adobe Flash, Adobe Flex, Curl (Curl Corporation), Biz/Browser and Biz/Designer (axis software), smart client (Microsoft) and you can list Workplace (IBM) and the like the technology which makes the "rich client", as a product. In addition, there is also Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript + XML) which actualizes the rich client with the standard technology of JavaScript and XML etc..