Web applications

Web applications are online services that run in a web browser and on a remote server, exchanging data with the user over HTTPS. Their undeniable advantage is that they can be used on many computers at any time. They are also inexpensive to roll out for users, as all they need is a standard computer or smartphone. On the server side, the requirements depend on the scale of the application, the number of users and the number of simultaneous operations (especially database operations). Growth over time, increasing data volumes and rising activity mean that performance has to be scaled up. This is easy to do, for example by building a server cluster with load balancing, optimising the code and the database for high performance, and making full use of caching, proxies and separate resources for static files. You can therefore be sure that your application will run reliably without the need to look for other solutions, and that its maintenance and development will remain reasonable in terms of both time and cost.

Web application development for businesses

A web application can also be a PWA (Progressive Web App), which can be used like a native mobile app. This only applies to simpler applications that do not need additional smartphone resources such as the camera, GPS navigation or phone functions.
Broken down into its components, a PWA consists of a frontend, a backend and a server layer. Thanks to full flexibility in each part of the system, the application can be built with a bespoke design and its own business logic.

Web applications for business

Building web (browser-based) applications for business can be a key step towards streamlining operations, managing data and increasing efficiency. Here are some of the key functions and uses of web applications for business:
1. Project management: web applications help manage projects, schedules and teams. Advanced features can include tools for tracking project progress, assigning tasks and communicating within the team.
2. Customer relationship management (CRM): CRM applications help track customer contacts, manage communication history, plan marketing activities and monitor sales.
3. Human resources (HR): HR applications support recruitment, employee data management, payroll and benefits, and training.
4. Financial management: finance applications make it possible to track budgets, analyse expenses and revenue, generate financial reports and handle invoices.
5. Business analytics: data analysis applications help collect, analyse and visualise business data, enabling better-informed decisions.
6. Intranet and internal collaboration: intranet applications can be used to share documents, communicate within the company and collaborate across teams.
7. Marketing project management: applications help plan marketing campaigns, track results and analyse the effectiveness of marketing activities.
8. Inventory and supply management: inventory web applications enable efficient warehouse management, stock level tracking and supplier order management.
9. B2B e-commerce: web applications can handle business transactions between companies, enabling wholesale orders, price negotiations and service for business customers.
10. Document management: document management applications make it easier to store, share and track company documents.
11. Business process automation: applications can automate repetitive business processes, which can improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
12. Security and availability: web applications must provide appropriate data security measures and be available 24/7.
13. Customisation and scalability: web applications should be tailored to the individual needs of the company and be scalable so they can grow with the business.
14. Mobility: in the mobile era, web applications should be available on a range of devices, including smartphones and tablets.
15. Technical support and training: it is important to provide proper technical support for application users and training for employees on how to use the application.
Ultimately, the success of a business web application depends on a thorough understanding of the company’s needs and on tailoring the solution to them. Consulting experts in web application development can be key to success in this area.

Broken down into its components, an application consists of a frontend, a backend and a server layer. Thanks to full flexibility in each part of the system, the application can be built with a bespoke design and its own business logic.

Web application vs desktop application

We usually associate an application or computer program with software installed on a local operating system such as Windows. Such a program runs on the computer it is installed on and may connect to a local database or a remote server to synchronise data.

A web application runs on a remote server and can be opened in any web browser over the internet. Its undeniable advantage is that no local installation is needed, which matters a lot when the application is used on many devices. Every update happens only on the application server, which makes moving to the next version of the system faster. The limitation of a web application is its restricted access to the local resources of the computer it runs on, such as files, the internal network or other programs.