Mendix Web Client runs all over the place
The Mendix client team puts a lot of time and effort into writing code that works across a wide range of browsers. Besides the obvious A-browsers on the support list we like to push the envelope by trying to run complex applications on new or interesting environments. Here are a few pictures of some recent experiments. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean any of these environments are officially supported!
Here we have a Web Client running on the OLPC XO-1, probably one of the lowest low-end machines you’re likely to find in the wild these days. Loading the app took some time and the interface response was a bit sluggish, but it loaded cleanly and without modifications.
Mendix Web Client on OLPC
Next up, Nintendo’s latest console is the Wii. It has WiFi and an Internet Channel (which is basically a highly customized Opera9 build). Can we wave the WiiMote around and control a Web Client instance? Yes we can! The app loads without a hitch and we’re waving our way through sets of data, though it’s obvious that an old CRT television screen is not exactly the best display option for these apps.
Mendix Web Client on Nintendo Wii / Opera
Last up in today’s browser hijinks, Google ChromeOS. Or Google Chrome running on Google ChromeOS, whatever works for you. Chrome is browser that just makes me happy. The new V8 JavaScript engine and isolated processes-per-tab set a new standard for performance and reliability. Google has decided that what the world needs is an OS without local storage and that just runs everything straight from the cloud. The source has recently been open-sourced and we picked up a disk image. A few clicks later, we’re logged into the Google cloud and load in our by now familiar CRM app.
Mendix Web Client on ChromeOS/Chrome
We’re still a long way from having an ecosystem where all browsers follow the same standard and implement them all the same way. But if nothing else this experiment is an indicator that modern browsers are mature enough to use as runtimes for complex applications. Or that we’ve just bullet-proofed our Web Client enough to run on the crazy variety of browsers out there. Take your pick.
