Which one is better?
The end-users generally don’t care whether the application is desktop, web, or mobile, they only want their task to get done efficiently, easily, and fast.
There are continuous improvements in the development of software, whether it is in the user interface (UI), user experience (UX), deployment, or in technologies. It is also observed that the changes are taking place every five years. Shifting from Desktop to Web, Web to mobile APK, Web, and APK to Desktop, Progress Web Page (PWA), Cloud hosting, etc., client-server, multi-tier, XML to JSON, SOAP to REST. Each solution and platform has its own strength and weakness.
Suppose we want to provide flight services to our customers to go from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa. What solution we choose from following two options:
- Flight solution using Boeing 777 (max speed of 900+ km/hour, max pax 300+ )
- Flight solution using ATR 42 (max speed of 400+ km/hour, max pax 40+)
We have to select the option based on distance, speed, number of pax, runway facilities, investment, return etc. Similarly, the software solution has to be selected based on requirements and other resources available.
Everything in this world is subject to change. I have a very clear understanding of this context. Nothing is permanent. Market changes, a test of users change requirements changes, the environment changes, working habits changes, looking at the products and services change. In order to go ahead, we must embrace or accept the CHANGE. However, the CHANGE has to be evaluated properly before we adopt it as it could have an impact on many aspects including cost and other resources. Let us get back to our main point Desktop vs Web application and which one is the best?
Over the past decade, there is a constant debate about web apps and desktop apps. Which is better, what are the differences? Which one should be considered for our solutions? Let us analyze its pros and cons.
What is a Desktop Application?
A standalone application you can install on a computer to carry out a specific task is a desktop application. It can talk to the centralized database server through a VPN. Examples of this type of software are Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Pumori, etc. It utilized the resources of PCs for execution as a result its performance is always better in comparison to web applications.
What is a Web Application?
A web application is software that runs on the web browser and utilizes web technology to carry out different tasks on the web. It requires an internet connection. It uses mostly the server resources and client validation and rendering is done on local PCs. So the utilization of PCs resources is minimum but there are no supplies of PCs with minimum resources nowadays. In this connection, the resources of PCs are wasted. Some of the most common examples of web apps include Google sheet, Google DOC, etc.
What is a Mobile Application?
A mobile application (also called a mobile app) is a type of application (APK similar to EXE files) designed to run on a mobile device, which can be a smartphone or tablet. Examples of mobile apps are Viber, Skype, Facebook etc. Note that mobile apps are similar to desktop apps which have to be downloaded to be used in devices.
Comparision
| Factors | Web App | Desktop App | Mobile App |
| Accessibility | Cross-Platform | OS-Specific | Device-Specific |
| Installation | Automatic | Manual/Can be automated | Manual/can AutoUpdate |
| Updates | Server update | Update in Multiple Computers | Auto Update |
| Updates | Server update | Update in Multiple Computers | Auto Update |
| Internet Connection | Required | Not Required | Can be offline, Sync when online |
| OS Features | Restricted OS Features | Can Access All Features | Can Access Device features |
| Resources | Utilizes fewer computer resources | Can utilize computer resources as per need | Can Utilize Device resources |
| Performance | Good | Best | Better (Faster than Web) |
| Platform Dependency | No | Yes | Yes |
| Security | Considered Less secure | Considered More Secure | Considered Secured |
| Forward Fixing | Easy | Hard | Moderate |
| Maintenance Rollback | Hard | Easy | Moderate |
| Data Entry | Slow | Fast | Slow |
| Investment on Server HW | High | Low | High |
| Hosting | Required | Not Required | Required |
| Mobility | Yes | No | Yes |
| Platform Dependency | No | Yes | Yes |
| Deployment | Easy | Difficult | Moderate |
| Performance | degrade when added Heavy Features | Can add heavy features | Restricted |
| Development | Expensive | Economic | Expensive |
| Access to system resources | NO | Yes | Yes |
| Native App | No | Yes | Yes |
My Openion:
I hope that you have understood the difference between web apps vs desktop apps.
From the comparison, you must have understood that every application has its own pros and cons, and they can be utilized for specific requirements.
Why mobile apps, web apps like Skype, Viber, Zoom are given as desktop apps for PCs. The reasons are two folds. One is to make it available on all platforms and the other is to enhance performance. I think you may all have noticed the differences.
Desktop Applications can be web-enabled by using CITRIX and similar third-party applications, which will give benefit the both Web and Desktop worlds. The license fee for this implementation will be between USD 60 to 100 per concurrent user.