Web Application Hosting: An Introduction
Web application hosting is essential for making your software available to users through the internet. At BSPOKE Software, we develop custom web applications that people can use from anywhere with an internet-enabled device. This flexibility is why web applications are a popular choice for businesses in any industry; they can be used on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, without the need for separate applications for each platform.
Understanding Web Applications, Desktop, and Mobile Applications
To fully grasp the benefits of web applications, it’s important to understand how they differ from desktop and mobile applications:
Web Applications
These are accessed via a web browser and do not require installation on the user’s device. We host these applications on a server, so users can interact with them online. The key benefits include accessibility from any internet-connected device, easier updates, and reduced need for device storage. However, their performance can depend on the internet connection.
Desktop Applications
These are installed directly on a user’s device. They often offer faster performance since they don’t rely on the internet, and they can provide a richer experience with offline capabilities. In contrast, traditional apps only work on the device they’re installed on, and they need regular updates and maintenance.
Mobile Applications
We design these apps specifically for smartphones or tablets, and users usually download them from app stores. While they offer the benefit of being optimised for mobile devices, they require users to download updates and are generally restricted to one platform (iOS or Android).
Each type of application has its pros and cons, but in recent years, web applications have become increasingly popular for businesses, mainly due to their flexibility and ease of use across multiple platforms.
Web Portals vs. Websites: What’s the Difference?
While both web portals and websites are accessible through a browser, there are key differences:
- Website: A website is typically informational and serves as a public-facing platform for businesses, showcasing products, services, and contact information. It’s usually static and designed for broad audiences.
- Web Portal: A web portal, on the other hand, is a personalised gateway that offers users access to specific, often secure, content and services. We create these apps for a specific group, like employees or customers, and they usually need a login to access them.
Understanding Web Application Hosting
Hosting a web application involves storing your software on a server; a powerful computer that delivers your application to users over the internet. This setup allows users to interact with your application through a web browser, without needing to install anything on their devices.
The server processes data, handles requests, and ensures the application runs securely and efficiently. By hosting your application in the cloud, you benefit from scalability, reliability, and remote access.
Types of Web Application Hosting
When selecting a hosting environment for your web application, it’s important to choose one that suits your business requirements. The three main types of hosting are:
Shared Hosting
In this setup, multiple websites share the same server resources. While it’s a cost-effective option, it can cause performance issues during traffic spikes and offers limited control over server settings.
Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting
This option provides dedicated resources within a virtualised environment. It offers more control and flexibility than shared hosting and is ideal for medium-sized applications with moderate traffic.
Cloud Hosting
Distributed across multiple servers, cloud hosting ensures high availability and scalability. It’s perfect for applications with varying traffic loads and demanding performance needs. At BSPOKE Software, we choose this solution because it suits bespoke software well, offering reliable and secure hosting without the usual limitations.
BSPOKE Software’s Hosting Services
At BSPOKE Software, we don’t just develop bespoke web applications; we also provide comprehensive cloud hosting solutions, including database management. Our hosting services ensure that your application remains accessible, secure, and performs optimally. By managing both the development and hosting, we deliver a seamless, integrated solution tailored to your business’s unique requirements.
With over 15 years of experience in bespoke software development across various industries, we’re confident in our ability to be your trusted software development partner. Contact us today and tell us a little about your business and the software you require.
Web Applications: A Popular Choice for Bespoke Software
In recent years, most of our clients have opted for a web-based portal for their business needs. They prefer web applications because they’re easy to access on any device, work well with other systems, and give businesses more flexibility; especially as remote work and mobile access become more common. Web applications have proven to be the most adaptable solution for a wide range of industries, and we continue to help clients maximise these benefits.
Case Study: Workplace Risk Management (WRM)
Workplace Risk Management (WRM) offers tailored health and safety compliance services to businesses. They needed a centralised system where clients and staff could securely access and manage health and safety records. BSPOKE Software developed a web application that allows WRM’s clients to store and retrieve records safely in the cloud. This solution boosted staff productivity and gave clients confidence in the safety and accessibility of their data.
Case Study: Quenelles
Quenelles, a leading independent food-price benchmarking service in the UK, needed a web application to provide their business clients with access to market data and benchmark reports. BSPOKE Software developed a solution that enables Quenelles’ clients to log in and easily access the information they need, helping them make better procurement decisions.
Another advantage of this system is that clients don’t need to install any software; they can simply log in through a web browser on any device ensuring quick and easy access, wherever they are.
Get Started with BSPOKE Software
Choosing BSPOKE Software for both your web application development and hosting ensures a secure, accessible, and tailored solution that meets your business goals. Get in touch with us today to begin your journey. Provide details about your company and what you hope to achieve with a bespoke software system, by filling in our contact form. Let’s start building the future of your business.
