It's hard to believe that I created my first web application nearly 10 years ago. The application was developed in what is now know as "classic ASP". Everything is relative so I guess 10 years in the computer industry is an entire generation.

The progress in the past 10 years in web development techniques and strategies has been amazing. Today's web applications feature rich editing controls and response times nearing their Windows equivalents. It makes you wonder why anyone would choose to build a traditional windows application

There are many benefits to web-based applications but I will highlight some of the key benefits here.

Easy Deployment

Web applications are very easy to deploy. When it comes to changes or updates, the entire application is centralized so getting the update in place is very simple.

Very Portable

Once deployed, a web application is available to users ever where regardless of the hardware they are using or the network they are on. As long as they have an Internet connection and a web browser they can access the application. With the advent of ASP.NET and Visual Studio from Microsoft(R), applications can be easily migrated to the mobile-platform making them accessible to users with Smart Phones and PD A's.

Intuitive

Applications designed to run in a web browser are inherently intuitive. This was the whole purpose behind the development of the Word Wide Web. The designers wanted to ensure that everyone could navigate and use the sites and applications on the web with little or no instruction. Web applications developed today are not only intuitive in design but rival their Windows counterparts in "look-and-feel" with the advent of the Microsoft .NET platform.

Cost Effective

This is one of the biggest appeals for large organizations. The total cost of ownership (TCO) is significantly lower with a web application than with a traditional Windows application. Deployment costs are reduced since no local installations are required. Since there are no drivers or controls that need to be installed on client-workstations, help-desk support time is minimal. Management of the application is controlled at a single source which requires fewer personnel.

There are many other benefits of choosing a web application over a traditional Windows application. In this day an age, it is hard to imagine a scenario where a new development project would be selected for the Windows desktop platform.