Zend's RIA direction

Rich Internet applications (RIA) are web applications that have the features and functionality of traditional desktop applications. RIAs typically execute the processing necessary for the user interface in the web client but keep the bulk of the data and the business logic on the application server. Use of RIA technology poses several new service level management challenges.

Zend Studio & Zend Framework with Ajax/Dojo

Zend is working to bring an end-to-end solutions for Rich Internet Applications to the PHP market. First, Zend is adding enhanced support in Zend Studio for the development of RIAs. With comprehensive JavaScript support, integration with Zend Framework and Dojo, Zend Studio provides developers with the IDE they need to develop RIAs fast. Click here to see more information on Studio's new JavaScript support. For more information on Zend Framework's Ajax Support see the following:

• Watch this video on how to build RIAs utilizing the integration of Zend Studio for Eclipse with Zend Framework and Dojo
• Andi's blog: Zend Framework 1.6 Featuring Dojo, SOAP, Testing, and more...
• Watch this recorded Webinar on Ajax and Zend Framework

Zend Studio & Zend Framework with AMF

Zend continues to evolve server side PHP support for RIA. The Zend Framework team has released Framework support for Ajax. Zend has also announced a partnership with Adobe to bring support for AMF support into the Zend Framework project.  For more information on using PHP and Flex together see:

• Adobe to contribute AMF support to Zend Framework
• Adobe's Flex & PHP resources can be found here

Using Zend Studio & Flex Builder together

Since both Zend Studio and Adobe Flex Builder are built on the Eclipse ecosystem it is possible to use both products within a single copy of Eclipse.  To accomplish this do the following steps:

• Download Zend Studio v6.1 and run the installer
• Download the "Plug-in installer" for Flex Builder and run it
• Follow the Adobe instructions to complete the installation
  Please Note during the installation a dialog will be displayed with instructions to complete a "soft install" after the main install completes.  This step is essential for proper product operation.
• Restart Zend Studio and both products should be operating normally.