As a marketer or business manager, adding functionality to a business process is vital to refining and improving your service delivery. Based on the need to interface data and results, two distinct paths may present themselves: web applications and web services. Knowing which option to choose will help your organization save time, effort, and money while improving internal efficiency and external customer support.
At Progressive Data Services, we maximize your marketing dollars and provide the best overall insight into your customer base. Keep reading to learn whether web applications or web services are the better choices from a development standpoint.
Web Applications: What You Need to Know
A web application is an application program stored on a remote server and delivered over the Internet through a browser interface. Put simply, web applications use web pages to display data. These applications can be designed for various uses and can be utilized by organizations or individuals for numerous purposes. Since web applications are accessed through a network, no download is necessary on the user's end.
Web applications are easy to use and work on most platforms, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. For these apps to operate, they require a web server, an application server, and a database. Web servers manage client requests, the application server completes the requested tasks, and a database stores any needed information.
Examples of Web Applications
Built for user engagement, web applications are extremely customizable and can perform a wide range of functions. Some examples of these apps include:
- Web Email Services
- Wiki Sites
- Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
- Netflix
- Youtube
Customization & User Experience in Web Applications
When developing web applications, customization and user experience play pivotal roles in ensuring success. At a web app development company like Progressive Data Services, ux ui design specialists and ui designers collaborate with project managers to create seamless, user-friendly interfaces that align with your business goals.
Whether you aim to improve engagement with your target audiences, enhance productivity, or integrate advanced functionality, a custom web application development process ensures your unique needs are met. Additionally, quality assurance is critical in delivering reliable applications that function across various platforms, ensuring a smooth experience for users.
For organizations looking to align their marketing strategies with digital tools, web applications can enhance everything from email marketing to web marketing services. Partnering with a trusted web application development company ensures your application fits into your broader goals and scales with your business.
Web Service: What You Need to Know
A web service includes any software, application, or cloud technology that provides standardized web protocols (HTTP) to interoperate, communicate, and exchange data messaging through the Internet. Put simply, web services are the API that drives the website. All of the interaction is done programmatically, while the website user only sees the results.
Different Types of Web Services
There are a few central types of web services, including:
- Web Template
- XML-RPC
- UDDI
- SOAP
- REST
Which Option Is Best For You?
Think of web applications as complete user interfaces, while web services are intended to be application components or "libraries" that other applications and programs can use.
Web services are less costly to develop, as they save time by skipping the front-end user interface development. However, this doesn't necessarily make them the better choice, especially if your long-range plan involves front-end development or a user-facing interface.
In determining whether web services or web applications are right for you, weigh the immediate needs and resources of the project against your future organizational needs. Consider how scalable your business goals are and whether a web solution like a fully developed web app aligns with your growth.
Empowering Progress—Making the Choice Your Business Needs
Key Takeaway: If your application doesn't need a user interface, consider creating a web service. If it does, a digital marketing agency can address your frequently asked questions and create a user interface, website design, or web application.
Thanks to years of experience, Progressive Data Services specializes in data management, web app development services, and digital marketing services to help you get the most out of your business. As a trusted web application development service provider, we create custom, interactive, data-driven add-ons to enhance your website's capabilities.
With a team of project managers, designers, and developers, we ensure your project aligns with your marketing strategies. Give us a call today at (248) 313-9120 to partner with a leading app development company and achieve your business goals!