24 hours access from any PC, all data stored centrally...that's web applications

Many businesses use specialist software to complete particular tasks. Usually this software is installed on every PC, needs to be updated on each PC, and files need to be send back and forth between users...there must be a better way?

What is a web application?

A web application is an application that runs within a web browser. For example, take Gmail or Hotmail, these are e-mail clients that run within a browser. You probably use web applications almost every day, but just don't realise it.

What benefits would my business get from using a web application?

How do you currently invoice customers? Spreadsheets? Expensive accounting software? What if you had a web application that any of your staff could access (with a password) through their web browser that replaced your existing system. You could create new invoices, edit existing invoices, see which clients have outstanding invoices, view reports, and even allow your clients to query invoices online, or even pay their invoices online. This is one example of how a business could benefit from a web application, but to learn more we'd suggest you read about how a web application helped Bill Chipping Haulage reduce costs and improve their service to their customers.

Accessible from any PC with a web browser

Web applications are built to be accessed from almost any PC with a web browser - in fact, this could stretch to mobile devices and games consoles. This means there's no software to install, no software to update, and best of all, no software to go wrong.

Everyone has access to the most up-to-date information

With web applications most data is stored in a central location on the internet, so it doesn't matter if someone is working from home, or in the office; everyone can see the most up-to-date information, and there's no e-mailing of files backwards and forwards.

Updates and improvements are quick and easy

If you need to make an update or improvement to your web application, it's simply a case of making the change, uploading it to the internet, and from that point onwards all users will instantly see the improvements. There isn't anything to do on the user’s PC, and no configuration files to change.

Prevent access to your application and data

The security of your data is important, and that's why users are given login credentials to your application: this prevents the general public from gaining access to your application. Encryption techniques help ensure the data stored by your web application isn't readable without the correct login details.

We'd like to give you some examples of typical web applications:

• Web-based learning/training system
• Online booking system, i.e. salons, hotels, cottages, events, meetings
• Invoicing
• Project management systems
• Online support and ticket logging
• Expense claims
• Staff timesheets