Web hosted applications

Web hosted applications are managed by a 3rd party, including server hardware, software, databases, back-up, disaster recovery and scalability.

Web applications are accessed over the internet using a standard web browser, so there is no additional software for the end user to install and no extra workload for the IT department.

There are a number of benefits of web hosted applications:

Access anywhere. An authorised user can access the application from any computer with an internet connection

No IT headaches. Because the software is hosted on the web by the provider, there's no need for additional in-house technical support to manage servers and databases, or to install desktop software

Automatic updates. Hosted applications are updated and maintained remotely without the need to distribute and install software on local servers or desktop computers

Scalability and cost. The capacity of hosted applications can be increased incrementally, so users only pay for what they use. Businesses can also decrease capacity without leaving redundant hardware

Easy interfacing. Data can be easily exchanged with other applications e.g. Oracle, SAP, using XML based web services

Familiarity. Web hosted applications use browser-based user interfaces, which are familiar to end users

Cross platform compatibility. Most web hosted applications are browser independent, providing cross-platform compatibility

Limitations of web hosted applications:

Reliance on connection. Web hosted applications rely on an uninterrupted, reliable internet connection. If the connection fails, the application cannot be used.

Assettagz, 4hSolutions' asset management solution, combines a web hosted application with mobile computing technology.