Option 5 - Browser Plug-in:
The fifth option is to build a plug-in that the browsers use to display your data. A plug-in is similar to an application, but only runs when queried by the web browser. Most plug-ins start as independent from the browser, and then a light-weight version is created for Internet use. Disadvantages are that the end user must download and install the plug-in, which can sometimes be a difficult experience for novices.

Implementation: The client-side portion of this tool would be developed as an application-like piece of software that works closely within the browser. Visually, the tool would be a part of the browser or a pop-up application within a new browser window. Deployment would be a download, install, and browser re-launch by the end user.

Advantages: No limit in scope or functionality. Fast.
Disadvantages: Difficult to install for novice users. Cross-platform and cross-browser plug-in development is expensive. Functionality becomes obsolete when the browser company integrates a competing technology.

Recommendation: Alphanumerica recommends that Mousion not consider this approach as a solution. Browser plug-ins have a history of being confusing and difficult for the end user to install and use. This is a direct result of their technological nature, as they are not fully integrated with the browser. Plug-ins are considered "add-on" software that works in conjunction with the browser, and requires the end user to download and install a new version of your plug-in every time a security hole is patched or you've added new functionality. Because plug-ins are client-side technology, you will need to develop a different plug-in for every operating system platform and browser platform you wish to support. This can be very expensive.

Future of the Technology Platform: Plug-ins exist only to provide functionality that was not shipped with a standard browser. As browsers get updated and released, this same functionality is often developed and integrated into the browsers by the browser companies. Not only does this remove the need for you plug-in, it also changes the ownership of the technology implementation from your company to the browser company. An example of this would be Microsoft shipping Windows Media Player with IE 5, which competes directly with RealPlayer (a plug-in).

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