Flash technology has evolved over the years allowing new solutions to old issues. Still many misconceptions still exist and without current programming techniques, some flash sites still have challenges and disadvantages over static sites.
Sitewyze has addressed these issues allowing flash to thrive without the worry of past limitations. Below are the issues that existed and what we've done to eliminate them:
Plug-In Required
Flash sites still require a separate plug-in to be installed in order to be run in most browsers. However, studies have shown that 99% of web users have flash available. If your site is going to be used mainly in a corporate setting in which users will not be able to run flash, or may be restricted to installing flash, you may wish to consider a static site.
Search Engine Issues
Web search engines have typically had issues with indexing content within Flash sites for searching. Although this has been the case in the past, through our Advanced Website Optimization, we have developed a method that allows for all your content to be indexed as well as the ability for search engines to go directly to a page within your flash site.
Back Button Issue
Most flash sites have issues with recognizing the browser back button. Since a flash site is usually all loaded at once, using the back button is usually ignored in a flash site. With our Advanced Website Optimization, our developers can develop a site for you that utilizes the back button and returns a user to the previous page as intended. Not only is the back button issue resolved, but users are now able to bookmark a page within your flash site!
Accessibility Issue
Flash sites may be an issue for web users who are using text-to-speech browsers. In terms of readability issues, we can provide you with the option of having a "full screen" mode for your flash site, as well as having your flash site resize to fit the browser window!
Bandwidth and Speed Limitations
Flash websites will typically take longer to load than a static site. However, since most users these days have high speed internet connections, this is not as big an issue as it was in the past. Also, once the user has been to a flash site once, it is stored in their cache, and the next time they visit the site, it should come up instantly.