Proprietary Browser Plugins like Flash and Silverlight are Dead

October 4, 2015
In the very early history of the web, browser plug-ins played a vital role by enabling rich online multimedia experiences and complex web application functionality. However, along with these capabilities, plugins came with some inherent weaknesses that soon came to the forefront, and have ultimately contributed to their rapid downfall. 
 
Plugins consume an excessive amount of system resources and expose networks to serious security risks. Also, plugins are not designed for touch, and that is a significant disadvantage as mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have overtaken desktop computers in terms of popularity and adoption. Last but not least, plugins are based on proprietary programming, making it difficult to predict or control their support across different browsers and operating systems.
 
These are the very factors that have resulted in the demise of Flash and Silverlight technology. 
 
Earlier this year, with the release of the latest version of Chrome desktop Beta, the browser automatically paused Flash animations that — in Google’s words — “aren’t central to the webpage.” The reason cited was that auto-playing Flash content drains laptop batteries.
 
That same month, Firefox was forced to temporarily block Flash because of security concerns following the Hacking Team Leak.
 
Technology experts and reviewers are now proactively calling for an immediate and official retirement of Flash. Wired Magazine’s article ‘Flash.Must.Die‘ puts across its point in a pretty succinct manner:
 
“Because Flash is a closed, proprietary system on a web that deserves open standards. It’s a popular punching bag for hackers, which puts users at risk over and over again. And it’s a resource-heavy battery suck that at this point mostly finds its purchase in pop-up ads you didn’t want to see anyway.”
 
A recent TechCrunch article titled ‘Farewell To Flash: What It Means For Digital Video Publishers‘, also highlights the near demise of Flash, stating that: “Publishers need to urge their buyers to prepare for the upcoming Flash-pocalypse”.
 
Silverlight’s departure came even faster than that of Flash. Microsoft announced the end of life of Silverlight 5 in 2012. Soon afterwards, Microsoft also declared that they had concluded further development of Silverlight except for patches and bugfixes. Today, Silverlight is not supported on most popular mobile and web browsers.
 
So, what’s the alternative? The rise of HTML5 was the final nail in the coffin for these deprecated technologies. HTML5 is robust, widely supported and works great with mobile technology. Because of its characteristic advantages, HTML5 is being developed rapidly by a large number of technology groups, further increasing its capabilities across-the-board. In addition, search engine optimization aficionados root for HTML5 because, unlike Flash and Silverlight, supports a semantic structure that web crawlers such as Google Search know and understand. This is great news for your website’s SEO if your website is built using HTML5. 
 
Clearly, for event marketers and digital media property owners, this is the time to evaluate their technology solutions and make sure that their audience is being served their interactive content on all devices, browsers and operating systems without any hitch. If any of your properties are still being built exclusively or even partially on Flash or Silverlight technology, then not only is your audience being underserved, but also your window of transitioning to a better solution without disrupting the user experience may be a very tiny one.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.