Advantages of Web Applications

Web applications run through a web browser like Internet Explorer, rather than on the desktop like MS Word.

On a basic website pages are static. Web application pages interact with users requesting and responding to users. The most common example is online shopping application.

Web applications typically use a database to store permanent information such as product descriptions and costs, and customer orders.

Web Applications deliver many business benefits compared to office based solutions.

Advantages of Web Applications

	No special configuration or changes are need on user's PCs.
	Lower costs: less time spent talking to customers over the phone, elimination of printed materials, users update their own details
	Centralised data is secure and easy to backup.
	Updates can be made quickly and easily.
	Information is accessible to a wide audience anywhere in the world.
	Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
	Everybody has a browser - familiar interface encourages use.
	Online training can be completed at user's own time and pace.
	Employees located at different locations, on the road or even abroad, all have direct access to current information
	Always up-to-date.

Disadvantages of Web Applications

- Slower, as run over the internet

- Interfaces not as sophisticated

- Can take longer to develop as they are more complex, have to work on different browsers, and different versions of browsers.

- Security risks

Examples of Web Applications

Analyse Campaigns	Create and track advertising campaigns across Europe and multiple agencies. Results can be analysed in multiple ways and graphs produced. Agilent Technologies - Ad Planning
Order Goods	Search for products from online catalogue. Jaeggi & Sons Online Catalogue
Estimate	This website estimates the cost of corporate videos based on user specification. Provides analysis of user behaviour. Rossiter and Co - Video Estimate
Educate	Lifestyle questionnaire for employees, advises on a range of wellbeing issues including diet, exercise, & drinking. Abbey Healthwise
Deliver News	News articles and images delivered via XML feed integrated in to website; archive and search. Rossiter and Co
Search Information	Online health product information (indications, actions and ingredients) displayed from database. Search by keyword, product or symptom. Maharishi Ayurveda Products Practitioner Information
Calculate Price	Cost of airport car parking calculated based on length of stay. Linked to credit card payment. Liverpool Secure Car Parking
Track Goods	Records issues of warehouse despatch notes to pickers. Reports productivity, number of lost notes and can't find goods. Personal Computer World Business - Despatch Database
Assess Risk	Online application VDU risk assessment complies with Health and Safety Risk legal requirements. 40 point questionnaire; provides advice & remedies. Pilkington - Using a VDU Safely
Press Release Distribution	Web distribution of press office material including releases to clients and advertising agencies; search; embargo dates; foreign languages. Press Office International Websuite
Configure Website	By using Contribute, users can update website content directly. A behind the scenes web application allows re-configuration of site menus. Luton VoluntaryWorks

Developing Web Applications

Paul Stanley Software has developed bespoke web applications for UK clients since 1998.

I possess the comprehensive programming experience that pure design web companies lack.

I have developed complex commercial applications which have run very reliably and successfuly for over 5 years.

When sites must look great I work with partner design companies.

I have an in-depth knowledge of web technologies: ASP, ASP.Net, Javascript, HTML & CSS, PHP and databases: SQL Server, Access and MySQL.

If you have a bespoke web application in mind, please contact me for an informal discussion on 01695 720562 or email info@pssuk.com

Software as a Service - SaaS

With SaaS, customers pay to use software via the web as a service on demand, by paying a subscription rather than outright purchase. Software is usually licensed by number of users and/or levels of features.

The SaaS model allows developers and vendors to keep control the hosting and operation of the software. Customers do not have to worry about hardware/software compatibility and support to run an application. Eliminating a major overhead in large corporate environments.