White Papers
Desktop Applications - Overview
The architecture of choice in medium to large organisations is now Desktop Applications.
It combines the power and flexibility of rich client applications with the stability
and ease of deployment of browser based applications. The challenge most organisations
face is that of needing full functionality of software with immediacy of access
to data. This is met by Desktop Applications.
The extra dimensions which Desktop Applications provides to internet based applications
is so powerful, we predict that it will become a default requirement in system development.
Businesses have many requirements for the systems they use. One requirement that
has grown in importance over the last few years is access to centrally held data
from any location. This is why the use of internet based applications has
grown so quickly over the last 5 years.
Desktop Applications intelligently connect to a central server to access data
and software updates only when necessary and have the capability to operate powerfully
with no internet access.
Desktop Applications software therefore provides the fast response times, tailored functionality
and ease of use expected from a local application while providing the ability to
access centrally held data.
A Desktop Applications device must be capable of internet connection and able to run applications
locally. Such devices would include PCs, laptops, tablet PCs and mobile phones
as well as more tailored devices such as those used at point of sale.
Desktop Applications software uses XML technologies to utilise the power of the internet
and the local device.
With the growth of the internet many businesses realised the advantages of moving
their rich client applications to a thin client; the rich desktop applications were
difficult to deploy and maintain, as well as being expensive to develop. Perhaps
most importantly the attraction of enabling all users to access data wherever they
were based was a compelling reason to move to a thin client.
However, over the last few years, the limitations of thin clients have become more
obvious. Poor response times and a limited user interface can discourage use of
the application. These issues and the inability to work when not connected hampers
end-user productivity. Differentiation of the software between departments is difficult.
A recent survey for Microsoft found that over one third of IT decision makers in
mid to large sized enterprises who had web enabled core applications had gone back
to more client server-like rich applications.
Desktop Applications take the best of both of these solutions and add a whole
host of other advantages.