alternatives and migration scenarios

Ok, I'm a flash developer and while I realize it's still early in this
mess, I want to start thinking about migrations to alternate
technologies.  Here's my thoughts on the matter, I'd love to see some
input.  

This assumes a worst-case scenario, wherein microsoft issues a "fix"
which breaks all pages containing plugins.

1.  Where flash is essentially the sole entity on a page (interactive
material / full flash sites), I'm assuming some workaround will probably
become available that allows the user to launch the flash player.  Fine.

2.  Where flash is used as navigation, I generally offer an alternative
text menu already so this should be a no-brainer.

3.  Where flash is used as decor, I would move to either animated gifs
(yech), static images, or perhaps SVG.

Which leads me to some questions.  If whoever's doing the FAQ is
reading, well, I don't know how frequent these are, but here goes.

1.  Is SVG implementable in a way which circumvents this patent?  I know
it *CAN* be implemented where the data is directly in the HTML document,
but I wonder if using a compressed mode would leave it liable.

2.  What about links to which open a separate application?  (i.e.,
opening an mp3 in winamp from browser)

3.  Would an implementation of flash, which included the binary within
the HTML code, circumvent the patent?  Basically this would be like an
email attachment but designed to play in some part of the screen.

4.  What timeline, if any, has been established for the appeals process
and the IE changes?

5.  What, if any, liability does a developer have, taking on new clients
with the knowledge of this decision?  It seems to be under the press'
radar for the time being, but eventually I fear legal departments are
going to start telling production departments to halt multimedia
production until a decision is reached.  I'd hate to see that happen.

Anyway, I'd love to see some thoughts on these topics.

Thanks,
-- 
Michael Condouris
http://www.amberdigital.com
Telephone: 973-857-7707

Received on Thursday, 4 September 2003 03:08:57 UTC