Custom web applications
So What Are The Business' Advantages?
Web-based applications allow clients to access their systems via a uniform environment – the web browser. There is no need to develop and test the application on various systems and configurations because of the fact that the application itself only needs to be developed for a single operating system. The user interaction with the application is then thoroughly tested on various web browsers. This process facilitates development and troubleshooting which undoubtedly cuts down on time and costs.
Web-based apps enable you to experiment and create unique user experiences and interfaces – unlike desktop applications. This allows you to update the look and feel of the application and organise and customise the presentation of information to varying user groups – there is no longer any need for everyone to settle for using exactly the same interface at all times. Instead, you can find the perfect look for each situation and user.
Web apps allow you to achieve a greater level of interoperability as opposed to isolated desktop applications. For example, it is much easier to integrate a web-based shopping cart system with a web-based accounting package than it is to get two proprietary systems to talk to each other. Web-based architecture allows us to fully integrate enterprise systems which are seen to improve work-flow and other business processes. By integrating web apps, you get a flexible and adaptable business model that can be altered according to shifting market demands.
In addition to being customisable for user groups, content can also be customised for use on any device connected to the internet. This includes the likes of smartphones, tablets and any other devices with a suitable internet connection – desktop applications would require specific software and would not be easily accessible on portable devices. This further extends the user’s ability to receive and interact with information in a way that suits them. In this way, the up to date information is always at the fingertips of the people who need it.
Web systems are accessible over an internet connection anywhere at any time allowing the user to firmly take charge of where and when they access the application. A huge benefit of having a web-based app is that it can open up exciting, modern possibilities by facilitating home and remote working, managing global teams and engaging in real-time collaboration.
Once an update or a patch becomes available, the version or upgrade is installed on the host server so that it become available to all users in real-time. Releasing new software is also easier; required that users have up-to-date browsers and plugins. Due to the upgrades being performed online to a single server, the results are more predictable and reliable.
Increasing the capacity of web-based software becomes far simpler. If an application requires more power, only the server hardware needs to be upgraded. This can be done by “clustering” or running the software on several servers continuously. As workload increases, new servers can be added to the system easily. For example, Google runs on thousands of inexpensive Linux servers. If a server fails, it can be replaced without affecting the overall performance of the application.
By requiring dedicated servers, web apps are usually monitored and maintained by experienced administrators. This is far more effective than monitoring hundreds or even thousands of client computers as is the case with desktop applications. This then allows for immediate notification of any breaches, thus, tighter security.
