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Over the last few years, web-based applications, often referred to as software-as-a-service (SaaS), have become more and more popular as companies search for ways to reduce overhead costs and create operational efficiencies. New companies and applications are sprouting up everywhere to fill the need for web-based business applications—particularly those designed for small and medium-size businesses (SMBs).
The most popular SaaS deployments, especially among SMBs, are online storage, security, and back-up services.
Web applications are browser based and easily accessed from any computer with an Internet connection. They do not require that the software be installed on individual computers. These applications are hosted by a third party, and the maintenance, security, and back-ups are the host's responsibility.
Instead of data being pulled from and loaded on the user's local hard drive, it's all transferred over the Internet. A programming technique called Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) makes it possible for web-based applications to behave in the same way as desktop programs. These applications provide advanced user interface features similar to those of desktop applications, while at the same time providing the benefits of quick access to data and increased responsiveness, centralized administration, easy scalability, and immediate availability of application updates to all users.
Some Internet applications... utilize large volumes of data and are optimally run
with a fast synchronous DSL connection (SDSL) or a Business T1 line.
There is a wide range of web-based applications available today, including many that are winning popularity among small and medium-size businesses. Categories of SaaS applications range from the basic, including calendars, spreadsheet and accounting software, and word processing, to the more sophisticated, such as customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning, content communications and collaboration, and supply chain management. The most popular SaaS deployments, especially among SMBs, are online storage, security, and back-up services. Software companies such as Google, ZOHO, Intuit, 37 Signals, and Adobe have suites of web-based applications. And, not to be left out of the party, Microsoft announced this past July that it will soon offer Office Web Apps.
The key to successfully utilizing web applications is a fast and reliable Internet connection. The broadband connection needed depends on how many users will be accessing the applications at any one time, how much data is being downloaded and uploaded, and whether or not users are also doing other activities on the Internet. Some Internet applications such as video conferencing, live webcasts, and virtual private network (VPN) applications utilize large volumes of data and are optimally run with a fast synchronous DSL connection SDSL or a Business T1 line. Web-based applications fulfill business-critical requirements, which means there's no tolerance for an Internet connection that isn't reliable. As a Covad customer, you can always connect with confidence, knowing that your broadband comes with business-class reliability.
If it's collaboration that you need, software for a short-term situation, or you just want to lower your IT-related costs, web-based applications may be the answer. There's a world of interesting applications available, with many providing access from mobile devices as well.
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