Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) built on stack such as Adobe Air and Microsoft Silverlight have captured the imagination of the web development community. The promise of transferring the user interface processing to the client or conversely web enabling a desktop application is compelling. Of course, marrying desktop application and the web is nothing new to Songbird users.

As a developer, you might wonder whether those new proprietary technologies matter to a desktop applications like Songbird, built on top of the Mozilla stack. There are many advantages to adopting an open source, open standards platform and broad technology choice is one of them. Instead of being forced into one programming paradigm, rely on a single set of tools from a unique vendor, you benefit from a wide array of technology best suited for the task. Because Songbird provides the same capabilities as a browser, whether you’re fluent in AJAX, Java, Flash, Flex, Silverlight or XUL/Javascript, you can extend Songbird’s functionality.

One innovative developer has integrated a cover flow-like album browser in Songbird. He’s done so by integrating a Java applet directly into the chrome. You can read more on this in the forum post by Dark_Wolf.

If you are adventurous, you can even try a version of this Album Applet as a Songbird add-on. It is compatible with the latest version of Songbird.

Below is a screencast from another developer who has created a similar cover art browser implemented in Flex.

Finally, here is an example a Songbird feather build entirely in Flash.

The ease in which these proprietary technologies can integrate into Songbird is astounding. Make sure to visit our developer center to find out how you too can easily extend Songbird using your favorite technology.

Developer of all feathers, we welcome you with open arms.