Why WebRunner Should Be On Your Radar.

October 18th, 2007 Posted by Don Albrecht

What is WebRunner:

WebRunner is a simple XULRunner based browser that hosts web applications without the normal web browser user interface. WebRunner is based on a concept called Site Specific Browsers (SSB). An SSB is an application with an embedded browser designed to work exclusively with a single web application. It doesn’t have the menus, toolbars and accoutrement’s of a normal web browser. Some people have called it a “distraction free browser” because none of the typical browser chrome is used. An SSB also has a tighter integration with the OS and desktop than a typical web application running through a web browser. (From Wiki.Mozilla.Org )

What This Means For You

A webapp packaged with WebRunner looks and acts more like a native desktop application than a traditional web application. It provides a streamlined deployment environment and allows you to dramatically reduce the visual noise a browser provides.

Low Cost of Entry

At a bare minimum, a WebRunner app is simply a file that describes the url of your web application and a few basic settings. Your existing apps will port to the WebRunner environment without any changes at the server.

Added Functionality

Since a WebRunner app is executing in a known browser environment. Many additional capabilities are available. Using the XUL & XBL capabilities of firefox, Applications can take advantage of the OS native widget set. Firefox’s excellent native SVG support can be harnessed for powerful visuals & the relaxed security environment can allow for greater integration between the web application and client desktop.