There were strong discussions about desk top applications replacing web applications for quite some time now. Lets find out the difference between the two.
There are a number of reasons why desktop applications are being replaced by web application everywhere. One of the greatest reason for supporting this shift is because web applications are more flexible and versatile where as the desktop applications and softwares are difficult to replace.
The desktop applications are all localized and networked within a particular peripheral area only. Whereas the use of web applications is spread across the globe and a single application can be used to link two offices in two different parts of the world.
Usage of web browsers is being accepted widely across the globe by many many users, which has also contributed to the popularity of the web applications. But on the other hand there are a few benefits of using desktop applications too. Categorically, web applications and desktop applications can be differentiated based on their usability in the following categories.
Security: web applications have their own set of risks, desktop applications on the other hand are more secure.
Connection: web application becomes useless, in certain areas where connectivity is a problem.
Desktop applications do not bother about connection issues, they are easily accessible.
Cost: Web Applications have recurring cost, whereas desktop applications are one time investments.
What we understand from the above descriptions is that the popularity of the web application is only because of the fact that they are more accessible, but are absolutely limited in functionality.
