For many years bespoke software development has often proved to be a better solution to a requirement than off-the-shelf software packages. This is particularly the case where the requirements are very specific, no suitable software exists or it is too expensive; a tailored application is usually best in these situations.

Traditionally, bespoke software was developed as a desktop application, installed and run directly on each workstation. With the evolution of advanced web development technologies and improved web browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, it is now feasible to deliver complex and high-quality applications over the internet or your organisation’s network

Web applications are delivered to the user via a standard web browser. The software is entirely located on a central server computer, and normally no additional software is required on the computers from which the system is accessed.

The key advantages of web applications over traditional desktop applications are as follows:

  • Web applications are more scalable, allowing an increase in the number of users with greater ease and less likelihood of costly software redesign or additional hardware costs
  • There is no need to install software on the computers of each of the users of the system, so initial implementation and ongoing maintenance are far easier to achieve
  • Web based systems are far easier to support as support agents can access the system from a remote location in order to identify specific issues
  • Remote access is much easier to implement than for traditional desktop applications, allowing the system to be accessed securely from multiple locations

Depending on requirements, the web application can be located either on an server in your office, maintained by your staff and accessible over your intranet, or on a web server situated at an external location and accessible over the internet. Advances in security technologies enable a system to be effectively secured with either model.

If you would like to discuss the development of a bespoke web application further then please contact us