With the history of computer software, there is pretty much a tool or a piece of software that can be implemented into any business if you are looking for new strategies to help to maintain productivity. It doesn’t look like technology is going anywhere any time soon, so we might as well use it to our advantage. The future of software lies in web-based applications. Web-based software has many advantages over traditional software applications that are installed on a computer. Even client-server applications pale in comparison to the versatility, usability, and cost-effectiveness of web-based software.
Web-Based Software Are Booming
Web-based software is not new. For example, web-based email applications such as Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, and Hotmail are all web-based email applications.
However, as time goes on, more and more web-based applications are appearing in the industry. CRM applications, web-based database applications, and website management applications are gaining in popularity with both large and small businesses.
Browser Applications
Web-based software is executed by running the application in a standard web browser. Because all computers are shipped with a web browser installed by default, any Internet-connected computer is ready to run a web-based application.
Nothing to Install
Web-based software does not require that the user download and/or install any additional software components to their computer. Web-based software is all-inclusive. Because there is nothing to download, the computer stays “clean” and free from junk components that may interfere with other programs.
Also, the chances of inadvertently downloading a virus while downloading the software are nil. No time is spent attempting to install and configure the software. Web-based software runs entirely within the browser so users are not required to configure anything except the preferences provided in the web application. These preferences may be set from within the browser, as well.
Automatically Updated
Updates for web-based software are performed at the server level. Therefore, unlike traditional software applications, there are no updates to apply to the end user.
Application updates for traditional software often go awry. There is no chance of an errant update with a web-based application. There is no need to purchase additional upgrades or supplements with a web-based application.
Cloud Back-End
Many web-based software applications utilize a back-end database. In previous years, client-server applications would use for database-driven programs. The database would “live” on a server, and client components would be installed on each workstation that accessed the database.
With web-based software, the database can “live” in the cloud. Client software is not required because no client is needed to access the cloud-based data. A simple web browser is used to access cloud-based data. Web-based programs such as Salesforce.com, utilize this model to serve web-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software that is sold to clients as “Software as a Service.”
Mobility
Web-based applications may be utilized from mobile devices, which means the programs may be accessed anywhere or on any device with Internet access.
Users may utilize web-based applications from tablets, smartphones, laptops, or any number of mobile devices. Web-based applications cater to the needs of a mobile workforce.
Cost-Effective
Generally, web-based software is more cost-effective than traditional software. Web-based applications are often low-cost alternatives to traditional software applications. Companies and individuals are required to purchase only the service as they use it, rather than a costly application that must be licensed “per seat” or “per server.”
Additionally, many traditional software applications contain features that are not utilized by the average user. For example, a CRM application may contain features such as the ability to mail merge contact list addresses to be printed on envelopes. In the electronic age, many companies no longer utilize the US Mail to correspond with clients. They, instead, opt for email or SMS communications.
Application Support
Companies often choose web-based software due to the absence of the need for IT personnel to support the application. With traditional client-server software, specialized IT staff is required to install and maintain applications, such as CRM programs. Web-based software eliminates the need for on-staff application support. Instead, the web-based software is supported by a team of technical support specialists that are employed by the company that owns the application.
No specialized servers are required to run web-based software. Companies are becoming more and more likely to utilize web-based applications as a cost-effective alternative to client-server applications. With web applications, no specialized servers or staff are required for the implementation of the software, and support is provided by the company that produces and distributes the application.
Web-based software is clearly the software of the future. Software as service applications is becoming more and more popular with large companies as these applications are less costly in the long run than managing traditional software applications. Web-based software eliminates the need for costly traditional software licensing, specialized equipment, and specialized IT staff for maintaining the programs.
