5 Reasons Why HTML5 is the Right Choice

In speaking with firms across the financial industry, we’re often asked why they should use HTML5. We’re not HTML5 purists and we’ll be the first to say that there are times when HTML5 is not the best choice. But for real-time financial desktop applications (e.g. trading, market data, single dealer platforms), HTML5 is now usually the right choice versus WPF, Java, Flash, Silverlight and other front-end technologies. In fact, many of the largest banks and financial service providers have already selected HTML5 and many have either already deployed or are in active development.

Here’s why.

#1 Cross Platform

Even 5 years ago, the only platform you needed to target was a Windows desktop. Today, the list includes Macs (for home use and increasingly at work), iOS and Android. When it comes to cross-platform, there’s no technology other than HTML5 that is even in the conversation.

#2 UI Performance

A common complaint about HTML5 has traditionally been performance. Now, thanks to investment by Google, Apple, Microsoft and others, HTML5 provides direct and easy access to hardware accelerated animations and transitions that are more performant than Flash, Silverlight, Java and WPF.

#3 Faster Development

Developing front-ends with HTML5 is ridiculously easy compared with other technologies. This is due to the nice separation between layout, styling and application logic inherent in HTML5. It’s also because of the large and growing number of open-source frameworks that help with everything from code organization, to widgets to automated testing.

#4 Cost of Maintenance

Today’s college graduates don’t know Java, WPF or Flash and they have very little interest in learning. Talent is already migrating to HTML5 and, as time goes on, it will be harder and more expensive to find developers willing to code in older technologies.

#5 Future Proofing

Many firms who are regretting their decision to use Flash or Silverlight don’t want to be burned again. “How do we know this isn’t just the latest fad?” It’s not. Google, Apple and Microsoft are all heavily investing in HTML5 and future desktop operating systems will provide native support for HTML5 the way mobile operatings systems already do today. For the next 7-10 years, HTML5 is the safe bet.

Not convinced or have a use case you think HTML5 can’t tackle? We’d be happy to discuss it with you live.