Web-based applications offer a number of business benefits over traditional desktop applications. What is a web-based application?
A web-based application is any application that uses a website as an interface or front-end. Users can easily access the application from any computer connected to the Internet via a standard browser. This contrasts sharply with traditional desktop applications installed on a local computer. For example, most of us know Microsoft Word.
On the other hand, Google Docs is also a word processing program, but users perform all functions with a web browser instead of using the software installed on their computer. This means that it is a web-based application.
It is worth pointing out that almost any desktop software can be developed as a web-based application.
What are the business benefits?
With web-based applications, users have access to the system via a uniform environment: the web browser. Although the user interaction with the application must be thoroughly tested in different web browsers, the application itself only needs to be developed for one operating system. It is not necessary to develop and test it for all possible versions and configurations of the operating system. This makes developing and resolving problems much easier, and for web applications that use Flash front testing and troubleshooting, it is even easier.
Accessible everywhere
Unlike traditional applications, web systems can be accessed anytime, anywhere and via any PC with an internet connection. This gives the user complete control over where and when they have access to the application. It also opens up exciting, modern opportunities such as global teams, working from home and real-time collaboration. The idea of sitting in front of one computer and working at a fixed location is a thing of the past with web-based applications.
Easily adjustable
The user interface of web-based applications is easier to adjust than is the case with desktop applications. This makes it easier to update the appearance of the application or adjust the presentation of information to different user groups. That is why it is no longer necessary for everyone to be satisfied at all times with the use of exactly the same interface. Instead you will find the perfect look for every situation and user.
Accessible to a range of devices
The content can not only be adapted to user groups, but can also be adapted for use on any device connected to the internet. This includes the will of PDAs, mobile phones and tablets. This further enhances the user's ability to receive and use information in a way that suits him. In this way, the updated information is always at the disposal of the people who need it.
Improved mutual processing method
It is possible to achieve a much greater degree of mutual processing between web applications than with isolated desktop systems. For example, it is much easier to integrate a web-based shopping cart system with a web-based accounting package than to let two patented systems talk to each other. This allows internet-based architecture to quickly integrate enterprise systems, thereby improving workflow and other business processes. By using internet technologies you get a flexible and adaptable business model that can be adapted to changing market needs.
Easier installation and maintenance
With the web-based approach, installation and maintenance are also less complicated. Once a new version or upgrade is installed on the host server, all users have immediate access to it and there is no need to upgrade each potential user's PC. The deployment of new software is easier to implement, requiring only that users have up-to-date browsers and plug-ins. Because the upgrades are only performed by an experienced professional to a single server, the results are also more predictable and reliable.
Adaptable for increased workload
Increasing the processor capacity also becomes a much easier operation with web-based applications. If an application requires more energy to perform tasks, the server hardware must be updated. The capacity of web-based software can be increased by "clustering" or by using the software on multiple servers simultaneously. As the workload increases, new servers can easily be added to the system.
For example, Google runs on thousands of cheap Linux servers. If a server fails, it can be replaced without affecting the overall performance of the application.
Increased security
Web-based applications are usually deployed on dedicated servers, which are monitored and maintained by experienced server administrators. This is much more effective than monitoring hundreds or even thousands of client computers as is the case with desktop applications. This means that the security is tighter and that potential breaches must be detected much faster.
Flexible core technologies
One of the three core technologies can be used to build web-based applications, depending on the requirements of the application. Java Microsystems Java-based solutions (J2EE) include technologies such as JSP and Servlets. The newer Microsoft .NET platform uses Active Server Pages, SQL Server and .NET scripting languages. The third option is the Open Source platform (mainly PHP and MySQL), which is most suitable for smaller websites and lower budget applications.
Conclusion
Web-based applications are:
- easier to develop
- more useful for your users
- easier to install, maintain and secure
- easier to grow while you grow
If you want to know more about web-based applications, which technologies you should use and how they can benefit your organization, please contact us.