Web Applications

What is a Web Application?

A web application is any application that uses a web browser as a client, that is you use any browser in any location to access the features. The application can be as simple as a wiki or a newsletter registration on a website, or as complex as a full online shop with order management and with backend administration. Web applications are based on the client-server architecture where the client views and enters information while the server stores and retrieves information.

What are the Benefits of a Web Application?

Since the client runs in a web browser, the user could be using any web enabled device. They can be running Mac, Windows XP or Windows Vista. They can be using Internet Explorer or Firefox. They can be at home, in the office or on the road.

Future Proofing!

Web applications are very versatile. They are easily updated as the nature of technology changes. A web application can be viewed on a PC and Mac, and then also viewed on an iPhone or iPad. An App can be built to utilise the features on your iPhone, iPad or Android phone. The information is all stored in a database on the internet, so you are not tethered to one location or one device, and as technology changes the web application can easily adapt.

If you have seen eBay or the new Gmail or Yahoo mail clients, you have seen how sophisticated web applications have become in the past few years. Much of that sophistication is because of AJAX, which is a programming model for creating more responsive web applications.

Google Apps, Microsoft Office Live, and WebEx WebOffice are examples of the newest generation of web applications.