| There has been a long running debate about web | | | | There are always risks involved when dealing with |
| applications replacing desktop software | | | | working online, regardless of how secure a host |
| applications. While some functions are better | | | | might say a web application is, that fact of the |
| suited to web applications. It is my belief that | | | | matter stands that the security risk of running an |
| security concerns and legacy systems will prevent | | | | application of the Internet is more significant than |
| desktop software from becoming obsolete. | | | | when running an application on a standalone |
| Some argue that the debate between web | | | | desktop computer. Some applications require |
| applications and desktop applications is pointless; as | | | | more security than others, playing Sudoku on a |
| their is no clear answer. While still others argue | | | | web application would cause little concern, but |
| that the issue at hand is as much a business and | | | | dealing with sensitive corporate formulas or |
| marketing issue, as it is a technological issue. | | | | accounting details in a web environment might be |
| What Defines a Web Application Vs a Desktop | | | | determined risky. |
| Application? | | | | Cost |
| A web application is an application delivered to | | | | Over the life of the software use, web |
| users from a web server like the Internet. Some | | | | applications are typically significantly more |
| businesses run web applications on an intranet, as | | | | expensive over time. Desktop applications are |
| well. Web applications are becoming more popular | | | | purchased outright and rarely is their a recurring |
| due to the widespread use of the web browser | | | | fee for the software use. Some desktop |
| as a client. | | | | applications do have maintenance fees or fee |
| Some applications are better suited and more | | | | based upgrades associated with them, but rarely |
| likely to become successful as web applications. | | | | is there a subscription fee associated with the |
| Web applications designed specifically for search | | | | software's ongoing use. |
| engine optimization, have become increasingly | | | | Many corporate web applications use a different |
| popular. It is easy to understand why web | | | | model, users typically are charged monthly service |
| applications that relate to the Internet would | | | | fee to operate the software. Fees are considered |
| prosper, while business applications may have less | | | | "subscription fees". If you fail to renew your |
| appeal in a web environment. | | | | subscription you may be unable to access the |
| A desktop application is a self-contained program | | | | data stored in the web application. |
| that performs a defined set of tasks under the | | | | Connectivity |
| user control. Desktop applications run from a local | | | | Web applications rely on persistent and |
| drive and do not require a network or | | | | unmanaged connectivity. If you do not have an |
| connectivity to operate or function properly, | | | | Internet connection or if your host does not have |
| though if attached to a network desktop | | | | Internet connectivity you cannot access the |
| applications might use the resources of the | | | | information. Critical applications or businesses that |
| network. | | | | are time sensitive cannot risk denial of service |
| Pros and Cons to Desktop and Web Applications: | | | | attacks or power outages to interrupt their |
| Easily Accessible | | | | operations and access data that is sensitive. |
| Web applications can be easily accessed from any | | | | Slower |
| computer or location that has Internet access. | | | | Web applications that rely on the Internet to |
| Travelers especially benefit from the accessibility. | | | | transfer data rather than a computer's local hard |
| This often means that if a traveler has access to | | | | drive, may operate slower. The speed may also |
| a computer, phone or handheld with Internet | | | | vary based on number of users accessing the |
| connectivity they can utilize the web application. | | | | application. |
| Low Maintenance & Forced Upgrades | | | | Backups & Ownership. |
| Desktop applications need to be individually | | | | Regardless of the platform, companies need to be |
| installed on each computer, while web applications | | | | sure that their data is appropriately backed up. |
| require a single installation. | | | | When using a web application that are hosted by |
| Many web applications are hosted by a 3rd party | | | | a third party, companies should clearly determine |
| and the maintenance fall under the applications | | | | who owns the data housed in the application, and |
| hosts responsibility. The ability to update and | | | | be sure that privacy policies prevent that data |
| maintain web applications without distributing and | | | | from being used by the web host. |
| installing software on potentially thousands of | | | | Ultimately the accessibility of web based |
| client computers is a key reason for the | | | | applications make them very desirable. Web |
| popularity of web based applications. This can be a | | | | applications have some fundamental limitations in |
| blessing and a curse as users of web applications | | | | their functionality, and are better suited for |
| on hosted systems are at the mercy of the host, | | | | specific tasks. Understanding the pro's and con's |
| if an upgrade does not go well, or the individual | | | | to each business model, will help users determine |
| user doesn't want or need the new features the | | | | whether a desktop application or web application |
| upgrade will still go forward. | | | | will better suit their needs. |
| Increased Security Risks | | | | |