In just a few short months since the Plug-in API was introduced the World Wide Web has
seen a boom in applications. These applications are inline Plug-ins and they provide new
and easily accessible multimedia and business applications.Are Plug-ins a good thing? For the most part yes. They allow the user access to multimedia and file formats that before were cumbersome to deal with on the Internet. Plug-ins are taking World Wide Web Development into a realm rich with multimedia. The problem is that Plug-ins are being developed so quickly and in such high numbers that they also cause confusion and frustration. "Although market watchers are positive about the market for plug-ins, some vendors are concerned that the proliferation of proprietary media formats on web servers could ultimately make the web less attractive. (Raynovich)" This is a real concern, as plug-ins become more widespread a standard set of plug-ins will need to be adopted. The most common plug-ins will be bundled with newer versions of web browsers.
Developers should keep the new user in mind when deciding to develop sites with plug-in features. Sites with plug-ins often frustrate viewers who do not have the necessary software installed. In addition to this most users will be intimidated by the task of installing each plug-in.
Despite these drawbacks plug-in technology offers substantial benefits. For virtually no cost the user can customize their web browser to create the operating environment that they want. As plug-ins and Java applets become more and more common the web browser is beginning to emulate operating systems, however since the applications are available cross-platform several new advantages will be awarded. Will we see the day when programs are stored on servers and our desktops only store viewer interface applications?