Web-Based Applications - Pathway to the Future

Web-based applications are quickly paving their way as the preferred platform for business information systems and critical applications. Combine the communication capabilities of the Internet with the exceptional development platforms available on the World Wide Web and you have a cost effective yet highly functional and secure application platform that far exceeds any standard Windows or Mac program. To put it simply for those of us who are new to the web, a web-based application is a program that resides entirely on the Internet. It is a multi-user cross-platform application that allows many users to work from it at any one moment in time. An example of a well known web-based application is Google’s search engine or Facebook’s user community yet these programs do not even scratch the surface of what is possible online. The fact of the matter is that we have finally reached a point in time where the technology is available for us to develop applications that reside entirely online and are one hundred percent secure. The business advantages that arise with these capabilities are definitely worth taking notice of. Some of these have been outlined below. - The most noticeable advantage is the remote access capabilities web-based applications can offer. As they are based on the Internet, users anywhere in the world can access them. An example could be a project management system where users in the head office could upload critical files that relate to the project and employee’s onsite at a client’s premises can access these details via the web. - User friendly interfaces provide the user with an easy to use graphical user interface that is easily recognisable by anybody who is familiar with the web. - Most web-based applications are developed on "Open Source" platforms. Open Source development frameworks are free pieces of software that are maintained and supported by online communities. The benefit of this at a business level is the cost effective solutions such platforms can provide. No longer do you have to pay for software licenses and support contracts - everything is free except for the development of the application itself. - Every web-based application is cross platform compatible. This means that they will run on any type of computer with any type of operating system providing the workstation has a compatible web browser installed. From a business point of view, you no longer have to worry about whether your Mac users can access your Windows applications or visa-versa. - With the introduction of SSL Certificates some time ago, web-based applications are now considered to be 100% secure. You do not have to worry about your company data getting into the wrong hands. Use of SSL Certificates will ensure that every piece of data sent via the Internet is encrypted from point to point. As you can see, web-based applications definitely serve a good purpose in the business world. They are a cross-platform compatible cost-effective solution that every business can make use of. Whether you’re looking at starting a unique online store or contemplating managing your projects online, you should definitely consider looking at applications that are based online. The Internet should no longer be considered an enemy. It’s time to embrace this technology and unlock the true potential of your business. After all, none of us want to be left in the Stone Age.