What Is The Difference Between Web Applications And Enterprise Applications?

Web and enterprise applications have often been used interchangeably, although they are quite apart of their functions.

Web applications are simple programs that run on a web browser. It helps users with a variety of functions but uses the internet as their interface.

In contrast, if we talk about enterprise applications, they are developed to help companies with specific tasks that improve employee’s efficiency. In the past few years, there has been a sudden rise in the demand for enterprise applications.

That’s why we have curated a go-to guide for anyone who wants to catch up and understand the major differences between a web application and an enterprise application.

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

What is the difference between Web applications and Enterprise applications?

1. Purpose

When building any application, you must be sure of its purpose and your intention to build the platform. If we compare web applications with enterprise applications, both offer varied features that solve unique problems.

Like, if you want your audience to have a mobile app experience without having to download any application, then a web app is the best for your needs. In contrast, enterprise applications solely focus on helping businesses with operational tasks and channelling their workflow that scraps time.

2. Scalability

It is one of the key factors that determine the success of an application. Whether you are building a web app or an enterprise application, both need to be scalable. However, web apps sometimes possess issues when many users jump onto the page at the same time. This can lead to the site crashing down; that’s why it’s important that your web app is on a solid website to minimize the risk to the fullest.

If we talk about enterprise apps, most of them are quite scalable. When we build an enterprise app, it’s important to have the bandwidth to incorporate more people as the organization grows. Thus, developers make the app quite scalable according to the future growth possibilities.

3. Flexibility

No doubt, web apps are more flexible than enterprise applications. Web apps use the client-server model to provide a smooth interactive interface. Making changes on these platforms are quite easy and hassle-free. Big brands like Flipkart, OLX or Alibaba have transformed their website into progressive web apps. So, any changes made on the website are directly available to the end-user.

In contrast, enterprise applications require regular updates to make any changes. As a result, developers have to put a lot of effort into making changes. This process costs a lot of money and is extremely time-consuming.

4. Development cost

The making cost of web apps and enterprise applications is poles apart. Building a web app can cost you as low as 500 USD to 6000 USD, depending on the complexity of the platform. But, if we compare it to enterprise applications, it’s all peanuts. Many businesses have invested heavily in enterprise applications and that has cost them over 500,000 USD. That’s an insane amount of money.

What are Web Applications?

Web applications are computer-based programs that run on a web server rather than using your device operating system (OS). It makes the exchange of information easier and allows users to store, edit and save information.

The platform works on the client-server model, where the server scripts store and retrieve information, whereas the client scripts interpret data and present it to the user. Web applications are accessed through Google, Chrome, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.

In most web apps, the server-side scripts are written in ASP (Active Server Pages), and PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor), followed by client-side scripts built using JavaScript and HTML (HyperText Markup Language).

When a user triggers the web server by putting up a request through the internet, it gets transferred to the web application server. In response, the server first sends the processed request to the web browser, then forwarded it to the client.

Many people also confuse web applications with the website, but both these terms are poles apart. A website is static content where you can read and see visuals but cannot interact or edit them, which is the absolute opposite of a web application. Likewise, a website can include multiple web applications, but that’s not true vice-versa.

Web apps are divided into two major categories, static and dynamic. As the name suggests, static web apps lack flexibility and interactivity. Dynamic are web applications that are quite complex from the static but let the client retrieve information. These web apps are further divided into eight categories, including-

• Single-page applications
• Multi-page applications
• Portal web apps
• Animated web apps
• Rich internet apps
• JavaScript-powered web apps
• Progressive web apps
• eCommerce Web apps

Examples of Web Applications

Web applications are commonly used in online forms, shopping carts, spreadsheets, file-sharing platforms, word processors and many others. Google Apps like Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, and Gmail are all based on a client-server model.

Additionally, various brands have converted their website into Progressive web apps to provide users with an app-like experience that costs much less than a native app. Some of the most popular examples of brands doing this are-

• Alibaba
• Twitter Lite
• Flipkart
• OLX
• Wego
• Tinder
• BMW
• Starbucks
• Pinterest
• Financial Times

Advantages of Using Web Applications:

Flexibility- Web applications can be accessed from anywhere over the internet. Unlike other apps, users don’t have to download them separately. It gives them the freedom to work single-handedly or with the team.

Cost-effective alternative to apps-Building a fully-fledged app requires combined efforts of developers, designers, managers and whatnot. As web applications work through the internet, you don’t have to put a lot of work into making them functional for all operating systems and devices. Many big brands have converted their website into web apps to offer an app-like experience to its users.

Customization- Most developers prefer web applications over enterprise apps due to its ease of customization. These web apps can be frequently moulded according to the business requirement without much of a hassle.

Updates- Web applications need not be updated often. Developers directly make changes on the website, and the users can serve it through the browser.

Disdvantages of Using Web Applications:

Reduced security- As there is no quality control feature, the security of web applications are highly affected. The SSL protection does provide data breaks but it’s not the aptest option to safeguard user information.

Increased size- Compared with native apps, web applications take more space and require a good internet connection for proper functioning. As the entire application shifts to the browser, this affects its speed and size.

Not readily available- Web applications are not much promoted on the internet. Enterprise applications or other native apps are present on either the play store or app store, making them more accessible than web applications.

Internet dependence- Many native applications can run without the internet, which is impossible in web apps. These platforms require a decent internet speed to freely navigate the application.

Website reliance- Your application requires a robust website for your app to work perfectly. If your website fails or its URL doesn’t load, your web app will crumble down. So, it’s an absolute must that you use a quality website and not compromise on the functioning of your web app.

What are enterprise applications?

Enterprise applications are much more than normal apps. These computer programmes are specifically made to simplify the daily tasks of large enterprises. For example, it can encourage smooth communication, time-saving approval process, hiring qualified personnel, or managing finances.

Everything that hinders the daily productivity of the employees can be incorporated into an enterprise app. You will find Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Human Resource Management System (HRM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Business Process Management (BPM), Business Intelligence (BI) and Security software.

Statistically, out of the 4.2 Tn USD Global IT Spending in 2021, 599 Bn USD is said to be alloted to enterprise software development. This is a huge amount, and we can see tremendous growth in this particular sector.

With such huge demand for enterprise applications, developers are coming with major upgrades to help businesses face extreme challenges with ease. Many enterprise applications now come with AI-inbuilt technology that helps automate repetitive workflow and predict core analytics. Not just this, the craze for cloud computing in enterprise applications has also increased tenfold.

This open-source software will help companies utilize cloud features and allow team members to effectively communicate and use online space for storing large data. In addition, cloud-based enterprise applications are mostly cost-effective and flexible.

Many enterprises have integrated high-value services with a cloud platform to benefit from their low-cost infrastructure. In addition, 77% of enterprises currently use cloud infrastructure for their overall computing.

We can also see a 5G network for faster collaboration and connection within the enterprise. A great network always benefits enterprises to employ bigger technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing.

Examples of Enterprise applications

There are various enterprise applications that businesses use to thrive in their industry.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Enterprises use CRM software to create a lead chain. They identify untapped customers and provide valuable information to the sales and marketing team. Some of the most popular CRMs are-

• Salesforce
• Hubspot
• Freshsales
• Zoho etc.

Project Management Applications (PMA)

These applications help enterprises with daily tasks and project workflow. Through this, managers can keep track of ongoing tasks without getting stuck in the email loop. Examples of PMA applications are-

• Asana
• Basecamp
• Trello
• Zoho projects etc.

Business Intelligence (BI)

Many enterprises use business intelligence technologies to interpret large data and answer questions that predict future business operations. It is one of the most important strategies that help businesses take actionable steps. You can use the following Business Intelligence enterprise software to avail the services-

• MicroStrategy
• SAP Business Intelligence
• Zoho Analytics
• Jaspersoft

Conclusion

Both web and enterprise applications possess different values and solve unique challenges. For example, you can go with a web app to reach many people and provide services on a budget. At the same time, an enterprise application is made dedicatedly for a business that wants to streamline its workflow and reduce team communication gaps.