TelSpanWeb is moving to HTML5 and, with such a big change, we wanted to provide some background. We want to ensure you know that this move is for the better – for you, for your organization, and for your end-users.
Let’s start with Flash. Initially, internet browsers were not made to do things like play media or support sound. To make this happen, a plugin was required. Adobe was a leader in developing plugins, or layers of software, to allow your browser to do the things the evolution of technology demanded. With the utilitarian nature of Flash, Developers started building directly around this specific plugin. The downfall of this solution? Flash is proprietary unlike its more modern counterparts, HTML5, WebRTC, Java-Script, CSS which are all open standard. This means that although Flash helped us through some awkward phases, it forces web applications, such as TelSpanWeb, to follow the lead of one software developer.
Roughly 10 years ago, Apple banished Adobe Flash from the iPhone and since then others have followed suit; Android in 2012, and then Google began taking action on Flash-based ads in 2015. Since then, browsers have also made the move. Things that used to require Adobe Flash started to become native to the browsers themselves; making Flash a redundancy. With the release of HTML5 just over five years ago, we saw the ability to develop an application where you no longer need to download and install a plugin. HTML5 also allows for new media functionality and local storage. Finally, Adobe joined the bandwagon in July of 2017 officially announcing Flash’s End-Of-Life (EOL) for December 31st, 2020. And now, summer of 2020, we are ready to share the next iteration of TelSpanWeb.
In TelSpanWeb’s HTML5 version you will notice its in-meeting responsiveness, lightning speed uploads with a wider range of supported documents and design elements, the ability for you to share videos and your screen – all without a required download. HTML5 is also not as resource heavy as Flash and will provide a smoother experience for all with heightened security protecting you in the background.
As of December 31st, 2020, Adobe will no longer issue updates or security patches for Flash. Users attempting to load Flash-based content will be prompted by Adobe to uninstall Flash on their machines and the content will be blocked.
Learn more about TelSpanWeb’s features and functionality at WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WITH TELSPANWEB + HTML5