A web based software is an application that is accessed over a network such as the Internet or an intranet.The term may also mean a computer software application that is hosted in a browser-controlled environment.
Web applications are popular due to the ubiquity of web browsers, and the convenience of using a web browser as a client, sometimes called a thin client. The ability to update and maintain web applications without distributing and installing software on potentially thousands of client computers is a key reason for their popularity, as is the inherent support for cross-platform compatibility. Common web applications include webmail, online retail sales, online auctions, wikis and many other functions.
In earlier computing models, e.g. in client-server, the load for the application was shared between code on the server and code installed on each client locally. In other words, an application had its own client program which served as its user interface and had to be separately installed on each user's personal computer. An upgrade to the server-side code of the application would typically also require an upgrade to the client-side code installed on each user workstation, adding to the support cost and decreasing productivity.
Business use
An emerging strategy for application software companies is to provide web access to software previously distributed as local applications. Depending on the type of application, it may require the development of an entirely different browser-based interface, or merely adapting an existing application to use different presentation technology. These programs allow the user to pay a monthly or yearly fee for use of a software application without having to install it on a local hard drive. A company which follows this strategy is known as an application service provider (ASP), and ASPs are currently receiving much attention in the software industry.
Applications
Examples of web based applications are AwebDesk help desk Software, AwebDesk email marketing software, but can also include more advanced applications such as AwebDesk project management Software, computer-aided design, video editing and point-of-sale.
Benefits
Web applications do not require any complex "roll out" procedure to deploy in large organizations. A compatible web browser is all that is needed;
Browser applications typically require little or no disk space on the client;
They require no upgrade procedure since all new features are implemented on the server and automatically delivered to the users;
Web applications integrate easily into other server-side web procedures, such as email and searching.
They also provide cross-platform compatibility in most cases (i.e., Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.) because they operate within a web browser window.
