ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION

The following issues potentially impact the future direction of cross-platform GUI's in the industry:

1. platform mixtures in the future
   
   • all of the hype behind cross-platform GUI's is based on the assumption that there will always be a mixture of platforms within organizations
   • is it possible for the development of a "break-through" platform that puts all others to rest ? if so:
     • how far in the future ?
     • how affordable ?
     • how will it impact cross-platform GUI development

2. affordability of cross-platform GUI`s
   
   • current prices range from a few hundred dollars to more than $25,000
   • how will this affect in-house development ?
     • can small organizations afford to get into cross-platform GUI development ?
     • can they afford not to ?
     
     
   • how will this affect commercial software houses ?
     • will the requirements for developer's licenses make this unaffordable for the smaller firms ?

3. skilled labor requirements
   
   • cross-platform GUI's are targeted for everywhere from expert developers to non-programmers
   • they are also intended to reduce the amount of work for the developer
     • will there be a decrease in opportunities for people like us ?
     • OR, will this help open the door for more / larger opportunities (ie. we'll have time to do more "thinking things" rather than just "doing things") ?

4. object-sets offered (superset vs. common denominator philosophy's)
   
   • which method will become the industry standard ?
   • is there room for more than one method ?
   • should a new standard be developed that provides something in between these 2 options