Digital Media Plugin Update

We’re not primarily a software development company, but we do solve technology problems, and sometimes that involves developing software.

This is an account of how we helped a client address a technical challenge and modernize their software for the future. The client was a digital media company with a plugin that allowed users to view and edit large image files directly in a web browser. When it was first developed, the plugin was well-suited for the limitations of slower internet speeds (dial-up!) and less advanced browsers (IE4!). However, as technology evolved, the plugin began to show its age.

The Challenge: Outdated Innovation

Over time, advancements in browser security protocols and the widespread use of mobile devices created challenges for the plugin. Modern browsers were less permissive of plugins accessing local PC environments, and mobile operating systems added further complexity. As a result, clients were less inclined to use outdated browsers or equipment just to support the plugin, leading to a decline in its usability and the risk of lost business.

The company also had concerns about protecting its intellectual property (IP). Moving the plugin’s functionality to a browser-based solution raised the possibility of reverse engineering by competitors. The goal was to find a solution that modernized the tool, safeguarded their proprietary technology, and worked across current and future platforms.

Identifying a Solution

We started by reviewing the plugin’s capabilities and exploring how modern web technologies like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript could replicate its features directly in the browser. These tools had advanced enough to handle tasks that previously required specialized plugins. In addition, we incorporated features that clients had requested over the years.

To address the company’s IP concerns, we investigated security techniques used in other industries, such as online gaming, where protecting code from tampering and reverse engineering is common. These methods included encryption, secure code execution, and anti-tampering measures.

Lastly, we focused on future compatibility. The new solution needed to adapt to ongoing browser updates while working seamlessly across both desktop and mobile platforms. We prioritized cross-browser industry standards to ensure the application would remain viable as long as possible.

Implementation: Building for Longevity

With a clear plan, we began development. The plugin’s functionality was rebuilt using modern web technologies. For security, we implemented multiple layers of protection, including encryption and code obfuscation, to make reverse engineering impractical.

We then conducted extensive testing across major browsers and devices, including platforms that didn’t even exist when the original plugin was developed. This helped ensure consistent performance across a wide range of environments.

The Results: Sustainable Success

The outcome was a browser-based application that has been in operation for nearly a decade, performing reliably across modern browsers and devices. The company’s IP remains secure, and the tool continues to meet the needs of their clients.

Sometimes future-proofing is just a matter of making the right technology choices…