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Apache Flex vs. Microsoft Silverlight

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Apache Flex
Score 8.0 out of 10
N/A
Apache Flex (formerly Adobe Flex) is an open source application framework for building and maintaining expressive web applications that deploy consistently on all major browsers, desktops, and devices. It provides a modern, standards-based language and programming model that supports common design patterns suitable for developers from many backgrounds.N/A
Microsoft Silverlight
Score 3.4 out of 10
N/A
Microsoft's Silverlight is a development tool.N/A
Pricing
Apache FlexMicrosoft Silverlight
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Apache FlexMicrosoft Silverlight
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details——
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Apache FlexMicrosoft Silverlight
Top Pros
Top Cons
Best Alternatives
Apache FlexMicrosoft Silverlight
Small Businesses
Visual Studio
Visual Studio
Score 9.0 out of 10
Visual Studio
Visual Studio
Score 9.0 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Visual Studio
Visual Studio
Score 9.0 out of 10
Visual Studio
Visual Studio
Score 9.0 out of 10
Enterprises
Visual Studio
Visual Studio
Score 9.0 out of 10
Visual Studio
Visual Studio
Score 9.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Apache FlexMicrosoft Silverlight
Likelihood to Recommend
8.0
(3 ratings)
1.0
(4 ratings)
User Testimonials
Apache FlexMicrosoft Silverlight
Likelihood to Recommend
Apache
Apache Flex is an open-source SDK used to make rich Internet applications. It's developed with Action Script and MXML and works particularly well with Android and iOS ecosystems. Any flash-based application framework, such as Eclipse or the Flash above Builder, can be used to implement this. Free is best for mobile app developers, but suppose you have concerns, and consider Apache Flex's development team welcomes any questions via email.
Tuhin Sadik | TrustRadius Reviewer
Tuhin Sadik
Software Engineer
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Microsoft
The Silverlight plug-in means developers can target a single, consistent runtime for browser-based apps, rather than working with the complexity of multiple browsers in different versions. You also get video and multimedia effects that are hard or impossible with pure HTML and JavaScript, though Adobe Systems' Flash has the same advantages.
Verified User
Anonymous
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Pros
Apache
  • Runs on flash (at the time this was handy, not so much now. hah).
  • Good support from the company.
  • Ability to run offline.
Corey Birkmann | TrustRadius Reviewer
Corey Birkmann
Freelance Designer & Developer
Read full review
Microsoft
  • Easy to implement
  • No need for additional frameworks on client side
  • Out of browser capabilities
MM
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Cons
Apache
  • It's heavy as it needs to load the Flash plugin first before rendering anything to the user.
  • Not future ready as there is no support for mobile and tablet platforms.
Abraham Madathil | TrustRadius Reviewer
Abraham Madathil
Vice President
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Microsoft
  • No longer being supported
  • No upkeep with ria services
  • Be nice to work in a modern browser
Kiel Knisely | TrustRadius Reviewer
Kiel Knisely
Software Engineer
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Alternatives Considered
Apache
Apache Flex is a modern, standards-based programming language that supports common design patterns. It's an open-source SDK used to make rich Internet applications that work on different browsers and platforms. Any flash-based application framework, such as Eclipse or the Flash above Builder, can be used to implement this. So far, in comparison, it's much more crucial, especially for people working in fields like mobile development.
Tuhin Sadik | TrustRadius Reviewer
Tuhin Sadik
Software Engineer
Read full review
Microsoft
Microsoft Silverlight allows more adaptability and it integrates well with our products across the company. Adobe Flash crashes or doesn't work with our shipping campus.
Verified User
Anonymous
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Return on Investment
Apache
  • Positive: Easy to learn if you already knew AS.
  • Negative: Too heavy on flash knowledge (I know it's contradictory, but it was a plus & a minus).
  • ROI was great since it saves time on multiple devices compiling.
Corey Birkmann | TrustRadius Reviewer
Corey Birkmann
Freelance Designer & Developer
Read full review
Microsoft
  • Increased lecture delivery
  • Improved academic experience
  • Less A/V tech support and delay
Zubair Ahmed | TrustRadius Reviewer
Zubair Ahmed
Resident Physician
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