Assume that websites and web applications are identical twins, you can be 50% right and 50% wrong. It is often difficult to tell the difference between the two. You may be using a website and a web app without knowing which it is. Google is a website; Amazon is a website; YouTube is a web app; Twitter is a web app, and the list of examples goes on.
Let's understand how Wikipedia can be a Website defined: "A Web site is a collection of Internet presence and related content identified by a public domain name and published on at least one Web server. "A web application is defined in Wikipedia defined as follows: "A web application (or web app) is application software that runs on a web server, as opposed to computer-based software programs that run locally on the device's operating system (OS). Web applications are accessed by the user through a web browser with an active network connection. These applications are programmed with a client-server model structure - the user ("client") receives services through an external server hosted by a third party."
In this article, we will dissect the two most commonly used terms in web development and highlight the distinguishing features so that you can decide on one option.
"Website promote 24/7: no employee will do that."
- Paul Cookson
A website can promote your business even when you are sleeping, eating, walking or doing something else because it works 24/7 without making you tired and frustrated. It is the digital face of your business and can help you promote your services and business growth across geographic boundaries. Let's take a closer look at why a website is necessary for you
In this highly competitive market, brand is the most important thing. With the world getting smaller every day, it's important to stand out from the competition. Now, most buyers make sure to research online before investing to ensure it will be worth the money. Some studies have shown that potential buyers do not consider companies without a website. It also showed that companies that blog more than 16 times a month have almost five times more potential customers.
The first impression is of utmost importance and this is also true in the digital age. Nowadays, users have a plethora of options and in order to attract customers, products and services need to be presented in a unique way. Video testimonials from customers are a great way to gain good trust.
The website provides you with a platform to track potential customers. With great analytics, you can track the geographical location of the prospects and their area of interest. You can review the page visits and drive the prospects to buy the products and services accordingly.
These are just a few of the many benefits that come with a business website. Now let's go further and understand the benefits of a web application.
Web apps are one of the best ways to bring out the efficiency and better performance of the business. There are countless reasons to have a web app, but the following are the most important features:
One Excel sheet with limited data is manageable, but what about multiple Excel sheets bundled with countless data, are they also manageable? The answer is a resounding NO. To streamline various business workflows and processes, the web application is the ideal solution. It offers the best performance and frees up time for employees to relax and update the CMS (control management system) with information.
In terms of security, the web app also has a clear advantage over the website. Web apps protect software programs and websites better and are primarily designed to keep privacy and the highest possible security in mind. Updates and improvements are constantly updated in the web app, this provides further relief to the users.
A larger screen is usually preferred for a better view of the website, through the special UI of the web application space is saved thus more area can be used and navigation is clearer. With the help of the web application, it is very easy to navigate through the different sections of the application.
Meanwhile, we hope that you have understood how the website differs from the web application and what advantage it brings to your business. We would like to help you make the decision easier and understand the difference.
After reading the above session, you are well familiar with the use of websites and web application in business. Now it will be even easier to bring their business course. Here is a look at the comparison table:
| Parameter | Website | Web-App |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | The website is very simple, providing the data of the device in a web browser. | It includes some complex functionalities like purchase and payment. So the complexity of a web app is much higher than that of a website. |
| Requirement | The main purpose of the website is to show the user information about the products and services offered about your business. | It not only provides information, but also stimulates the user with the help of interactive communication. |
| Interaction | The website uses various formats of content such as video, images, audio, texts, gifs and other interactive elements. | It offers chat options, notifications, location applications and downloads files. Ultimately, it aims to get users to buy products or services. |
| Authentication | Authentication is not required on the website. Users may be asked to register to receive certain information or regular updates. | It requires certain authentication |
Developing a web application requires more effort, experience and planning compared to the web app. We hope that with the above difference, you now understand the requirements of the two and recognize the differences. Referring to your business requirements, you can now make a viable choice between the two.
Take advantage of Applie's services to realize the full potential of your business.