Kassem
Web based apps vs. desktop based apps
Which one would you go for supposing you're a business owner and why?
Share your thoughts...
arithma
I believe there's no need for Desktop base applications. Web based are currently almost always first priority, while desktop applications may always be dispensable.
Joe
Once again, what's the definition of a 'web-app'?
Here's one for you: at work we use a centralized solution called openERP. Without going too much into details about ERPs, let's just define it as a client-server architecture. As a client, each employee is free to chose between a heavy client (coded in Python - just like the server) and their web browser. Communication between server and client are HTTP anyway.
Recently, we outsourced the maintenance (and thus the physical machine) to an external hosting. We keep full access to the (virtual) machine, for administration.
Now riddle me this: Is this called a desktop app or a web app?
I believe a far more pertinent and interesting debate should be in networking: client-server architectures vs distributed architectures.
Now this is talking about the future of business apps.
my 2c.
arithma
We were having this discussion before posting online. The thing is oriented towards clients. Should they be HTML/CSS/JS or Desktop Apps. What can a desktop app have as an advantage over a web app. When should you choose this or that..
There is now almost always a server or a cluster of servers at the backend of any business oriented application (ERPs).
Joe
I fear I wasn't clear enough in my first post.
What difference does it make since various clients could coexist? As I told you, where I work each is free to choose between the desktop app or the web page. Ideally each client would code his/her own software to interpret the XML exchange the way that suits him the most.
My point is simply: what is the definition of a web app? Is the application we're using at work considered a web app or not?
Some terms like this one (and so much more - 'cloud computing','personal computer', 'intellectual property') have no actual meaning and only subsist because of poor journalism.
As you said, it is far more accurate to talk about the server-client architecture. However, some would argue that it will disappear in favor of distributed architectures. Anyone who tried git would admit that it's at least worth a look.
This was my point.
Kassem
I find cloud computing an interesting topic. I have a feeling the future of the internet is moving towards it. Now in order to define a web app, I would say it is a software that runs in the browser, no? I find it to be much more convenient to use web apps. At least you wouldn't have to take your laptop with you wherever you go. You only need a connection to the internet, you fire up your browser, stick in the URL and voila.