Essentially, HTML5 is intended to enhance the capabilities of existing versions of HTML (and related standards) for the creation of web applications. Although still in development, HTML5 has already seen widespread adoption in browsers and by application developers. It is likely that this will accelerate as the full implications of the evolving standards become widely recognised and leading players move in this direction.

Much of the initial interest in HTML5 has been stimulated by enhanced graphical and multimedia capabilities. For example, HTML5 allows audio files to be played within browsers without the necessity of installing an appropriate plugin. Similarly, HTML5 makes redundant other plugins, such as FLASH or Silverlight. However, the transition will take time – there will still be many solutions that can usefully be solved by plugins during the adoption phase. But in the near-term, HTML5 adoption is likely to accelerate, particularly in mobile markets.

But beyond enhanced graphical and multimedia capabilities, HTML5 also includes real-time communication functions, making it feasible to support a range of telephony / messaging features in applications.

And this is interesting for a variety of reasons. We are in the process of completing a major research report into HTML5, which will be published shortly. The report will provide a thorough investigation of HMTL5 technology and consider its implications for real-time web-based communications. If you would like to know more, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a table of contents, pricing and summary extracts.