Web applications run through web browsers like Google Chrome. The program runs on a web server, rather than on the PC, or local server for traditional applications.
Web application pages interact and respond with users requests, unlike basic website pages where pages are all pre-formatted. The most common example is online shopping application.
Most commercial web applications utilise a database to store permanent information such as
product descriptions/costs, and
customer orders.
What can you do in a Web Application?
Analyse Campaigns of data collected from distrubted offices across country or world
Display reports in Graphical Form
Order Goods with Online Catalogue, easy searching allows customer to keep track of orders and budgets
Produce Estimates - Atract visitors to your site. You gain details of what they are interested. You are available 24/7
Educate your workforce eg lifestyle
Lifestyle questionnaire for employees, advises on a range of wellbeing issues including diet, exercise, & drinking.
Deliver News
Provide product information online
Provide task information for workers on site via mobile devices
Allow remote works to enter job completion and get sign off on site
Advantages of Web Applications
Web Applications deliver many business benefits compared to office based solutions.
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Zero install - all PCs have a browser |
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Reduce business costs - less time spent talking
to customers over the phone; eliminate printed materials; allow users to update their own details.
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Centralised data is
secure and easy to backup.
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Quick and easy updates. |
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Reach
anybody, anywhere in the world.
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Available 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week.
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Low spec PCs or smart phones can be used. |
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Online training can be completed at
user's own time and pace.
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Direct access to latest information - for Employees where every they are located. |
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Always up-to-date. |
Disadvantages of Web Applications
- Slower, as run over the internet
- Internet not always 100% available
- Interfaces often not as sophisticated
- Can take longer to develop as they are more complex
- Have to support different browsers, and different versions
- Security risks
Software as a Service - SaaS
With SaaS, customers pay to use software via the web as a service on demand, by paying a subscription rather than outright purchase. Software is usually licensed by number of users and/or levels of features.
The SaaS model allows developers and vendors to keep control the hosting and operation of the software. Customers do not have to worry about hardware/software compatibility and support to run an application. Eliminating a major overhead in large corporate environments.
Developing Web Applications
Paul Stanley Software has developed bespoke web
applications for UK clients since
1998.
I possess the comprehensive programming experience that pure design web companies lack.
I have developed complex commercial applications which have run very reliably and successfully for over 5 years.
When sites must look great I work with partner design companies.
I have an in-depth knowledge of web technologies: ASP, ASP.Net, Javascript, HTML & CSS, PHP and databases: SQL Server, Access and MySQL.