Advantages of Web Based Applications

When one hears of web based applications, we wonder, what are they exactly? They are actually applications which are used either over the Internet or Intranet. In other words, web applications are applications which are used over a network. Sometimes, the term can also be used for applications which are hosted on a web browser controlled environment. An application, which is coded in a browser supported language can also be called a web application. In the last few years, the web based applications have come to the forefront for there are many advantages of these kinds of applications. One of the most important advantages of web application is that one can use the application widely. The most commonly used applications include webmail, online auctions, retail sales, etc. The advantages of web applications are given below.

Advantages of Web Based Applications

The web applications are executed on the Internet and have a number of advantages to them. The web based applications have come a long way from the desk top applications. The advantages of the web applications have made a number of users move from the desktop applications to the web applications. The differences can be compared with application vs web server.

Convenience
The first of the advantages is that it is very convenient for use. One can access these applications 24 hours of the day and 365 days a year. They can be used in any part of the world any time. The entire database is available all the time. One can either make use of the computer or phone to access the required data, whenever it is required. A person need not be confined to his office only.

No Installation and/or Maintenance
Unlike the desktop applications, the web applications do not have to be installed, as they run on a web server. The time and trouble required for installing a software are also done away with. At the same, since the web servers are used, maintenance, troubleshooting problems hardly arise. One does not have to go through the headache of heavy backups to be taken on disk space, etc. either.

Cost
As compared to the desktop applications, these applications are cost-effective. These applications cost lesser as compared to the web applications. At the same time, it does not waste any space on the computer, as the software are run from a server. One does not have to pay for maintenance fees either.

Multiple Platforms
The beauty of the web applications is that they work on multiple platforms. Most of the applications work on different Internet browsers like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, etc. They are often also compatible with most of the computer operating systems. Immaterial of the browser or the operating system, there is no difference in the way the applications work. The quality of work remains the same all the time.

Advanced Versions
As a user a person does not have to worry about whether the application is up-to-date. The application is always up-to-date. There is no need of being on the run always, as the up-gradation, etc. is taken care of. This is one of the best advantages of open source web applications.

User Training
One does not have to undergo training at any particular time only. According to the users convenience can the user undergo training. At the same time, if a particular user is a slow learner or does not have a lot of time to spare, then the user can decide the pace of learning as well.

Disadvantages of Web Based Applications

Like there are advantages of web applications, there are certain web based applications disadvantages as well. Among the first disadvantages is that, if the Internet connectivity is slower, then the application will also take time to run. This may cause the user some headache, if he is in a hurry to finish up the work. Since the applications are developed to be compatible for a number of web browsers as well as operating system, they do not come with sophisticated interfaces. This can be a turn off, if a user is used to using sophisticated interfaces. At the same time, developing a web development often takes more time, as compared to the desktop software development. Since a lot of work has to be done on the compatibility of browsers along with the versions the developers do take considerable amount of time for the same. Last but not the least, there are certain security issues, which need to be addressed, when it comes to web based applications. There are chances of it being hacked, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Therefore, more care has to be taken to work on this concern.

This brings me to the end of this write-up on pros of web based applications. Like it is said every coin has two sides, same is the case with the web applications as well. One has to weigh the advantages of web applications against the disadvantages. Along with it, severity of the pros and cons will help you decide the kind of application you are looking for.