Real-time Connectivity
Browser Based Software
Connect to the Internet just about anywhere — homes, offices, internet cafes, wireless hotspots in restaurants, and even castles in the Czech Republic. The Internet is becoming the normal mode of business as high speed internet devices connect businesses instantly with their customers and suppliers world-wide. If your customers and suppliers have such ease of access to you, why not your employees
Client-server architecture gave businesses scalable, networked applications where a central powerful server was sent requests from employees’ desktops (PCs, workstations, dumb terminals) that were physically connected to the network. When client-server applications have their own client program (user interface), these have to be installed on each user’s personal computer. An upgrade to the server part of the program typically requires an upgrade to the client part on each workstation, adding to the support cost and decreasing staff efficiency.
- Browser based applications improve productivity, decrease downtime and lower expenses.
- Make informed decisions faster with more reliability because your data is timely and more accurate.
- Increase employee satisfaction and in turn increase customer satisfaction.
The inclusion of a web browser on just about every desktop has opened the way for Web-based applications or Browser-based software. Browser-based software combines the reliability, integrity and functionality of your server application with the functionality and accessibility of the Internet — all of your system’s functionality is available through the Internet (or Intranet). Work orders, inventory, purchasing, despatch, financials and reporting are all accessed through your computer’s browser. Web-based applications can dramatically increase the flow and value of information. Users can gain quick and timely access to the web application, anytime, and from anywhere in the world.
Now that Web clients (browsers) for mobile devices (laptops, PDAs) are available the possibilities of the Web as an application platform for your business are expanding. The Internet is no longer the domain of large institutions and by using browser based applications your software is ready for use whenever you are. Online applications allow your administrative staff to work from any location and sales staff to access information remotely 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All that is required is a computer connected to the Internet, a website browser and the right access to the system.
Browser based software provides:
- Increased ease of access for individual users — they provide a common look and feel regardless of the computing platform or geographical location. If users have their own desktops they are able to bookmark important pages to gain fast access to frequently used functions. Users can also have their front end customized by the application provider, allowing help, marketing information, operating manuals, catalogues and demonstrations to be available on demand, alongside the actual application interface.
- Ease of installation — Installation is performed centrally, no actual client software needs to be installed. They may require some configuration, but once you click on the link you have installed the application.
- Ease of upgrades/updates — when the server is upgraded, everyone automatically has a new version without any inconvenience.
- Data Security — The central file server stores data that can be accessed readily as opposed to confidential data stored on notebooks and home computers.
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) — Save significant time and expense, by centralizing client software on a single application server.
- Access and Mobility - Always on, always available, anytime, anywhere—facilitates remote connectivity for:
- Mobile staff e.g. reps, management
- Virtual office and home office staff
- Your accountant
- Out of hours work
- From your hotel room, trade show, or airline lounge (anywhere with internet access)
- Reliability - Centralized computing greatly enhances disaster recovery and business continuance simply because it is server centric.
- Reduced VPN Costs — Browser-based remote access services offer both cost and ease-of-use advantages. This approach facilitates remote access from just about anywhere and can significantly reduce per-user VPN administration costs. Savings are even greater for companies that eliminate corporate laptops by leveraging existing desktops for web-based remote access.
Browser based software has distinct advantages now that will continue to increase over time. They take advantage of today’s technology to enhance your company’s productivity and efficiency. The key advantages right now are installation, accessibility and maintainability and the associated cost savings. Whenever software purchases are being considered and technology plans are being developed, browser based versions of software should always be included in the process.
Browser–based Application Software is the deployment method for tomorrow’s global business world.