Web versus Windows Applications

In today's computer world, Web Applications are creating havoc. The much growing popularity of web applications has forced to define the meaning of Information Technology in different way. Also, the line between Windows and Web Application is blurring. In web applications also, today most of facilities are provided to users through use of add ons, activex controls, dlls and other supporting applications, requiring users to install these tools also.

 

My concern here is comparative study of window and web applications.

Most of people may think that web applications are better. Today, internet connection and Ethernet connection has reached top speed. So, no difference is left in putting the application in local computer or server in context of speed. Web applications can be run in thin client. A simple browser is sufficient for a client machine to run a heavy web application. Heavy softwares need not to be installed in client machine. It is easier to publish a web application in internet, so that, users can access application from any where. It becomes more reasonable when an enterprise application is published and accessed by user from remote area. Today, most of top enterprise solutions, ERP, CRM like SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Ramco are being deployed in web based environment.

 

But there are numerous places where web applications fall behind windows applications from developers and users view also. Web applications are much tougher to develop compared to windows applications. Though, the o/p looks of web applications may be much cool than windows applications, it is difficult to work out through style sheets of web applications. In windows applications, it is just a drag and drop. Also, much of controls are available in windows mode only. While developing web application, a much percentage of time has to spend working in decoration of web site. The use of icons in toolbar of browser is also a much problem for developers. A developer has to consider the possibility of user to click back, forward, refresh button in browsers. Today users are also clever to modify address in address bar of browser which has also to be taken care. Despite taking so much care to develop a web application, the o/p is low compared to a windows application. Users are generally not much comfortable with web applications. Users cannot work with multiple sub-screens at the same time in web based applications. Generally, web based applications do not have provision for short cuts keys, which also degrades performance of users. Also, much user controls like datagrid, tree are not usually provided in web applications. 

 

Every thing has pros and cons. Thus do have windows and web applications. Web applications are easier to deploy but are much vulnerable and tougher to develop. Windows applications are easier to develop but become costlier requiring thick client.