Why Eclipse RCP is going to rule the world

For the last few days, I have been evaluating various platforms for an open source initiative, we are amazed with the framework and platform features of Eclipse RCP (Rich Client Platform).

Here is my five reasons, why Eclipse RCP is going to rule the world

  1) Web is not for everything

> All web based enterprise applications are failed in terms of usability
> Web has limited flexibility in terms of adding innovative ideas; everything is limited within the JavaScript boundary
> Even JSF+AJAX /ASP.Net+AJAX cant become a desktop alternative,
unless all the browsers replace JavaScript with Java

2) .Net Smart Client Replacement

> It has all the features of .Net Smart Client Architecture, including Update Manager and Avalon like XML based UI scripting 
> OSGi Framework based pluggable architecture
> Unlike .Net Smart Client, it support all the available platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, Solaris, etc
> Also uses the SWT, a SWING alternative, which uses the native UI sub systems.

3) Tools and Support 

> Comes with brilliant Eclipse IDE and Plug-in Development Tools to support the RCP application development,
It took us only few mints to get the Hello World done.

4) Its Java

  > World is full of java programmers, finding a java resource is not an issue.

5) Above all, its Free.

> The entire Eclipse Platform, IDE, and Platform Development Tools are available as Open Source.

If you about to start an enterprise/desktop project then, Eclipse RCP is the way to go.

Comments

[Tom Clowers]

In your article you mention that Eclipse RCP has an

Avalon like XML based UI

Do you have any further information on this? I have not seen this except in XSWT?

Best Regards,