Tibco Software has released its General Interface 3.0, which the company says uses AJAX techniques to build upon its Rich Internet Application (RIA). General Interface 3.0 consists of two components, Tibco General Interface Framework and Tibco General Interface Builder, which together "enable developers to deliver applications that run completely in a standard Web browser," the company says.

This installation-free framework eliminates the need for client-side software, end-user plug-ins, ActiveX controls or Java applets.  "The TIBCO General Interface technology has been enabling our customers to
run smarter, more responsive applications for nearly four years," said Kevin Hakman, Tibco's Director, General Interface Product Marketing. "This latest software offering is an optimal choice for professional developers and enterprises seeking to maximize the cost savings and competitive advantages that AJAX-enabled applications afford."

The General Interface Framework adds powerful features to Web browsers, such as extensible rich GUI component libraries, client-side data cache, drag and drop events, and background communications. It runs in the Web browser on top of the framework, and provides WYSIWYG layout, visual tools for connecting to servers, step-through JavaScript debugging and additional time-saving utilities. It also helps to simplify the complexities of AJAX development by encapsulating the native Web browser Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) into a unified set of reusable application objects and visual development tools, the company says.

"The concepts behind AJAX for delivering desktop software-style solutions in the browser have been around since 2000," said Mark Driver, vice president, Gartner, Inc. "However, the development, debugging and maintenance overhead
made it too unwieldy to implement historically. Finally, in 2005, we're seeing tools emerge that make building Rich Internet Applications much more efficient and practical for a broader range of developers."

Tibco General Interface 3.0 is now generally available for enterprises, solution developers, and ISVs interested in large scale and critical deployments. Tibco enterprise support and professional services can be engaged for organizations purchasing this version.