In today’s business, every company must fully use the digital landscape; otherwise, they are at higher risk of getting their business bankrupt or operating at a loss. Things evolve so fast digitally from software to hardware, and it requires consistent reading on the updates and learning new software and hardware so that a company may not fall behind. Web Application is the next step for more trending, engaging and accessible website development. In the business world, it is usually labelled as enterprise application development. However, many people and even businesses can’t understand what web application is about, although it does have similarities with the typical web development. We will go through this topic and how to distinguish it from web development.
Difference Between Website & Web Application
Website
A website is a group of HTML static pages with content and media that visitors can access by entering the URL address. The site depends on servers linked to the web network and can disseminate information to users worldwide 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Nowadays, current websites utilise more than just the HTML element. They are more instinctive and include languages like Javascript and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Whatever features are added, the objective of a website remains clear; To give out information to users, provide users to navigate and extract meaningful information, and act as a tool for marketing.
Web Applications
Web applications are practical web tools that function like any other software. They also utilise augmented rich internet applications (RIA) technologies, such as Flash, Silverlight, and JavaFX. Like the website, people can use them in the browser and over the internet, except that they provide more features and functionalities. Some notable examples are Trello, Google Drive, and Gmail. Since they have more parts and functionalities, the primary purpose of web applications is to react to user actions, such as being interactive and providing users with the ability to control data and apply requests for various outputs.
5 Benefits of Web Applications for Business
Efficiency
Web applications functionality can streamline business processes so that you can get tasks completed in less time with better accuracy. In addition to that, data is integrated into one place, which is the web application itself. That will give your business better visibility, saving employees’ time, and you can run and generate reports that are updated with real-time information. The website alone doesn’t have this great feature, so specific tasks have to be done separately, such as files being stored in different folders or project reports, which takes a lot of time.
Advanced Security Levels
Most businesses use a desktop with the installed software. If the computer is damaged or stolen, it can be very time-consuming and expensive; you have to send your laptop for repair and make company data vulnerable to outsiders. You are also required to contact the software provider and request a new installation on a new device or computer.
Web-based applications have data stored in the cloud, which means that you will be at peace should your computer be broken or stolen since all information has already been stored safely in the cloud or remote service. You can access your company data by knowing your URL (web address), username, and password. So log in securely to any computer or mobile device, and your business can be up and running as usual.
Customisable and Scalable
The problem with using commercial software is that businesses cannot integrate the software with their company. At times, if they want, these software vendors would charge an unreasonably high fee for integration purposes. Fret not; custom web applications can provide this feature by catering to your business requirements. It is flexible and scalable to your business’s demands and growth without any limits.
These features or customisations may include the company’s branding and having various user permission access levels. By only needing features or customisations related to your business, you can reduce training time and manageable tasks within the organisation as your business grows.
Easy Maintenance and Installation
As mentioned earlier, web applications prevent the hassle and memory usage of every device, be it a computer or a mobile, since installing software requires these tablets’ memory space. Since everything can be done by just installing on a browser, that would save so much time for your employees, and you don’t have to think so much about upgrading your employees’ computers to high-end models.
Cost Saving
Cost-saving is also another substantial benefit of web applications. First, web app development is way cheaper than any other development since everything is integrated into one platform. If you have a website, you need a mobile app to diversify your business operations since your website is not fully interactive for users. Maintenance-wise, the cost is lower because all you have to do is download and get the latest updates and patches, and your business is good to go. Gone are the days of reaching hardware and software vendors to get your devices repaired, maintained, and up-to-date.
The Final Say
To conclude, it entirely depends on your business objectives. If your business relies solely on distributing information on services and products, then you should opt for the traditional website development method. If your website needs to engage with users, such as product information or purchasing, it is best to use a web application instead.
Tao.net is a leading software development company in Malaysia and has more than 20 years of expertise in Artificial Intelligence and RPA ( Robotic Process Automation). They do web application services for business, also known as enterprise application in java. Contact Tao today to learn more.
