Difference Between Desktop Applications and Web Based Applications

Understanding the two......

A web application is software that uses a web server, like the internet, to get delivered to the users. Web apps can also be run on intranet, which many businesses do. The main reason that can be given for the growing popularity of web-based applications is the widespread use of web browser as a client

A desktop application is a self-contained program that performs a specified set of tasks under a user's control. Desktop applications don't require a network or connectivity to operate or function properly and run from a local drive. However, they might use the resources of a network if attached to it.

Comparing......

1. Accessibility - Web applications can be easily accessed from any computer, device, or location that has internet access. Travelers especially benefit from this type of accessibility.

2. Maintenance & Upgrades - Desktop applications need to be individually installed on each computer, while web-based applications just need a single installation. Many web applications are hosted by a third party and the upgrading and maintenance fall under the responsibility of application host. This can be a blessing and a curse both as users of web apps on hosted systems are at the mercy of the host; if an individual user doesn't want the new features, the upgrade will still go forward.

3. Security - There are always risks involved when dealing with online working. Regardless of how secure a host might say a web app to be, the matter of the fact stands that the security risk of running an application on the internet is more significant than that running on a standalone desktop computer.

4. Cost - Web applications are typically substantially more expensive over time. Desktop applications are purchased outright with rarely having a recurring fee for the software use (though some do have a fee for maintenance/upgrade, but rarely any subscription fee associated with an ongoing use). Many corporate web apps, on the other hand, use a subscription model where users are typically charged monthly service fee to operate the software.

5. Internet Connectivity - Web applications rely on persistent, unmanaged connectivity. Critical applications or businesses that are time sensitive cannot risk denial of service attacks or power outages to interrupt their operations.

6. Performance - Web applications may operate slower. The speed may also vary based on how many users are accessing the application.

7. Backups & Ownership - Regardless of the platform, companies need to be sure that their data is appropriately backed up. When using a web application that are hosted by a third party, companies should clearly determine who owns the data housed in the application and be sure that privacy policies prevent that data from being used by the web host.

Judging......

Some applications are more likely to become successful as web applications. Web based applications designed specifically for search engine optimization are becoming increasingly popular. It is easy to understand now why web applications that relate to the internet would prosper, while business applications may have less appeal in a web environment.

Ultimately, the accessibility of web-based applications makes them highly desirable but not monopolizing as they do have some fundamental limitations. I believe that security concerns and legacy systems will still prevent the obsolescence of desktop software packages. Understanding the pros and cons to each business model will help users determine whether a desktop application or web application will better suit their needs.

Thanks To : category board currency exchange rates http://bailbondsagencies.blogspot.com/

How to Automate Web Applications and Web Sites Quickly and Easily by Recording Web Browser Activity

We've all heard the latest buzz word, Web 2.0. Whatever you think of this new moniker the fact is that most of us are using web sites and web applications every day and their use is growing. Many applications that once belonged to the desktop are now running on the web - email, banking, calendars and scheduling applications are common place. We now even have web based word processors, such as Google Write. Many business applications are also moving to the web, and businesses are realising the benefits of subscription based services and centralised support and are running their sales order processing, invoicing and payroll systems on web technology. Many companies are using web technology in-house to support their enterprise, and users are now using applications running within their web browser, rather than traditional desktop applications.

Traditional scripting languages, batch tools and automation solutions are inadequate for automating these new web based applications. Macro recorders and automation solutions which automate desktop applications by simulating user activity are incapable of driving web browser based functionality primarily because web sites and web applications are dynamic. Not only do they change frequently due to a single centralised source, but objects don't necessarily always appear in the same relative position on the page. Web pages can be resized, moved and scrolled up and down. A new approach to scripting web sites and web applications is required.

Fortunately Microsoft's Internet Explorer web browser provides a scripting interface and a Document Object Model (DOM). The Document Object Model exposes all the tags and attributes of all the elements beneath the page. Via the scripting interface the properties and methods of these elements can be modified. So, for example, links can be "clicked" and form elements can be filled in and submitted. So scripts and programs can be written to automate Internet Explorer and drive web applications.

However, you need to be a good programmer to understand how this all works. Not only do you need to understand the Document Object Model, but to write a routine that uses it you need to understand HTML. To determine names of elements and form fields etc., the HTML source of the page needs to be pulled apart, dissected and analysed. You need to understand programming technologies in order to build the routine. Even developing such an automation script in VBScript isn't for the faint hearted.

What is needed is a tool that records what you do in Internet Explorer, analysing the objects you click on and fields you complete as you go. WebRecorder, from MJT Net, is one such tool. WebRecorder is like a tabbed browser. As you navigate through pages, click on links, select radio boxes and drop downs and complete form fields it identifies the objects and builds a script as you go, using simple to understand code.

For programmers, WebRecorder reduces effort and speeds up development. For less technical users, WebRecorder records web activity which can be played back accurately later.

WebRecorder creates straightforward code that anyone can understand, and can be used with Macro Scheduler, a well known Windows automation tool.

Another web recording tool, is WebAction from Copasetic Software LLC. This works slightly differently in that it installs itself within Internet Explorer as a Browser Helper Object. WebAction records activity in Internet Explorer and creates internet macros which you can play back. However, macros cannot be edited and will not run in other scripting environments, so this tool is focused more for basic macros and is less flexible.

Web macro recorders and scripting tools are ideal for automating routine tasks in modern web sites and web based applications, or for automatically transferring data into or out of web applications and interfacing them with traditional solutions. These tools can also be used for automated testing of web sites and web applications and offer easier, speedier development over traditional scripting languages.

See Also : ตรวจสลากกินแบ่งรัฐบาล Siam news http://boat-cleaning.blogspot.com/ http://thaicode.wordpress.com http://auto4sales.blogspot.com/