Smart Client UIs

Smart Clients (sometimes known as rich clients) have displaced the HTML based thin client as the most prevalent UI type and have become a common component of iSeries application modernization initiatives. Designed to deliver the reach of the web, the richness of a sophisticated graphical UI and web services integration, Smart Clients are increasingly recognised as a mandatory component of Service Oriented Environments.

UI Trends 2002- 2005
Smart Client features include: Sophisticated UI controls Rich user experience Web services support Desktop integration capabilities Distributed application interaction Easy to deploy and update Can function online and offline Utilizes local resources
Source: John Meyer, Giga Information Group, 2003