Free Website Content - Webware vs Desktop Software
Web Applications Vs Desktop Software Solutions
By S. Housley
There has been a long running debate about
web applications replacing desktop software applications.
While some functions are better suited to web applications.
It is my belief that security concerns and legacy systems
will prevent desktop software from becoming obsolete.
Some argue that the debate between web applications
and desktop applications is pointless; as their is no clear
answer. While still others argue that the issue at hand
is as much a business and marketing issue, as it is a technological
issue.
What Defines a Web Application Vs a Desktop
Application?
A web application is an application delivered to users
from a web server like the Internet. Some businesses run
web applications on an intranet, as well. Web applications
are becoming more popular due to the widespread use of the
web browser as a client.
Some applications are better suited and more
likely to become successful as web applications. Web applications
designed specifically for search engine optimization, have
become increasingly popular. It is easy to understand why
web applications that relate to the Internet would prosper,
while business applications may have less appeal in a web
environment.
A desktop application is a self-contained program that performs
a defined set of tasks under the user control. Desktop applications
run from a local drive and do not require a network or connectivity
to operate or function properly, though if attached to a
network desktop applications might use the resources of
the network.
Pros and Cons to Desktop and Web Applications:
Easily Accessible
Web applications can be easily accessed from any computer
or location that has Internet access. Travelers especially
benefit from the accessibility. This often means that if
a traveler has access to a computer, phone or handheld with
Internet connectivity they can utilize the web application.
Low Maintenance & Forced Upgrades
Desktop applications need to be individually installed
on each computer, while web applications require a single
installation.
Many web applications are hosted by a 3rd party and the
maintenance fall under the applications hosts responsibility.
The ability to update and maintain web applications without
distributing and installing software on potentially thousands
of client computers is a key reason for the popularity of
web based applications. This can be a blessing and a curse
as users of web applications on hosted systems are at the
mercy of the host, if an upgrade does not go well, or the
individual user doesn't want or need the new features the
upgrade will still go forward.
Increased Security Risks
There are always risks involved when dealing with working
online, regardless of how secure a host might say a web
application is, that fact of the matter stands that the
security risk of running an application of the Internet
is more significant than when running an application on
a standalone desktop computer. Some applications require
more security than others, playing Sudoku on a web application
would cause little concern, but dealing with sensitive corporate
formulas or accounting details in a web environment might
be determined risky.
Cost
Over the life of the software use, web applications
are typically significantly more expensive over time. Desktop
applications are purchased outright and rarely is their
a recurring fee for the software use. Some desktop applications
do have maintenance fees or fee based upgrades associated
with them, but rarely is there a subscription fee associated
with the software's ongoing use.
Many corporate web applications use a different
model, users typically are charged monthly service fee to
operate the software. Fees are considered "subscription
fees". If you fail to renew your subscription you may
be unable to access the data stored in the web application.
Connectivity
Web applications rely on persistent and unmanaged connectivity.
If you do not have an Internet connection or if your host
does not have Internet connectivity you cannot access the
information. Critical applications or businesses that are
time sensitive cannot risk denial of service attacks or
power outages to interrupt their operations and access data
that is sensitive.
Slower
Web applications that rely on the Internet to transfer
data rather than a computer's local hard drive, may operate
slower. The speed may also vary based on number of users
accessing the application.
Backups & Ownership.
Regardless of the platform, companies need to be sure
that their data is appropriately backed up. When using a
web application that are hosted by a third party, companies
should clearly determine who owns the data housed in the
application, and be sure that privacy policies prevent that
data from being used by the web host.
Ultimately the accessibility of web based
applications make them very desirable. Web applications
have some fundamental limitations in their functionality,
and are better suited for specific tasks. Understanding
the pro's and con's to each business model, will help users
determine whether a desktop application or web application
will better suit their needs.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and
podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for NotePage
http://www.notepage.net
a wireless text messaging software company.
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This article may be used freely in opt-in
publications and websites, provided that the resource box
is included and the links are active. A courtesy copy of
the issue or a link to any online posting would be greatly
appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
.
Additional articles available for publication available
at http://www.small-business-software.net/free-website-content.htm
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