A web application is a computer program executed in the form of an interactive website. The advantages of such online software are that they work with a central database and data storage. The applications can be used anywhere via the internet and a web browser. These programs are relatively easy to expand and develop.
To use the web application, only a browser and a working internet connection are required. Often users must first log in with a username and password to access the application. When using web applications, information is requested from a web server, often using requests to a database, which can then be acted upon locally. This information is then processed by the server, for example, by making changes to the underlying database.
Web applications can serve very different purposes. A well-known type of web application is a content management system, which can manage the content of websites. But web applications can also be used, for example, for CRM, e-mail, administration software, order systems, online agenda management, banking environments, and intranet and extranet environments.
Web applications can be purchased once (standard or custom-made), but are also offered and purchased in the form of Software as a Service (SaaS).
To make the functionality of a web application as smooth and user-friendly as possible, in addition to techniques such as HTML, CSS, and server-side scripting languages such as PHP, modern options for an interactive user interface are also used. Think of JavaScript, AJAX, and jQuery.
Designing and developing web applications is in our blood. Our experienced developers easily take care of the digital translation of your idea into a down-to-the-minute web application: both in terms of UX and flow through the app, as well as on a technical level. We develop high-quality and fully customized applications, with a great focus on design and technology with Cyberg Reviews.
and can mean enormous added value for your customer and company. They can be used as a powerful USP to be a big step ahead of your competitors.
When we talk about a web application, we talk about a program that is always available via the browser. You often have to log in to access the system. The purpose of a web application is to simplify business processes. There are several examples of web applications:
An intranet
Online calendars
Manage reservations and bookings
Submitting meter readings online
Manage projects
The big advantages
More and more companies are opting for a web application. This can be a standard system or a customized solution. A web application can be precious for your company. You can improve customer experiences, set up a more efficient workflow, and save time and money. It is no longer necessary to install software on your computer; a web application is always accessible and has an optimized display on your PC, tablet, and smartphone. Wherever you are, you can use your web application! Enough benefits, how do you get started?
Purpose and vision
What do you want to achieve with your web application? By formulating the goal briefly and bonding, you lay the foundation for a successful web application. Every functionality that is added to the web application must lead to the goal being reached sooner. Some questions that can help you describe your goal are:
What is the problem you run into?
Which process do you want to automate?
What can you gain time with?
It is also imperative to have a vision. What is the ultimate web application for you? What functionalities does this app have? Every developed step must comply with this vision and must, of course, help achieve the goal.
Accessibility
When you have formulated the goal of the web application, it is good to think about accessibility. Is the application only used within the company, or do you also want to give customers access? When customers use your application, you can link it to your website to give them quick access.
Links
Do you use software packages within your company? It is smart to link these together as much as possible. Often software packages are fully integrated within a company, and you cannot do without them. This often contains important data, such as customers, employees, and projects. By reading this data, you prevent errors and duplicate data. After all, you don’t want to have to re-enter every employee. There are always possibilities to link applications together. For example, an application programming interface (API). This is a software interface that allows two applications to communicate with each other. If a package has an API, we can use it to read the data. When no API is available, there are often other options.
Design
An application where it is not clear how it works will not be used quickly. That is why we at Nederdesign think carefully about the user-friendliness of a web application. It should feel safe and familiar. It should be obvious to a user which next steps happen when they click on a certain button.
Safety and Reliability
We can write several blog articles about the security of a web application. We can provide technical details where the bits and bytes are flying around your head. When designing a web application, the security and reliability of an app must be carefully considered. Ensure good access management, know who has access to the application and what rights this person has. Ensure good monitoring and register every step that is taken within the process.