Advantages of Web-based Technology

The web browser is easy to deploy in a wide variety of client systems. Because of its simplicity and the modest demands it makes on a user’s computing resources, the browser is known as a lightweight, or thin, client.

The thin client approach to client/server computing has many advantages. They include:

• Lower product costs: In many cases, web browsers are free or provided at very low cost. Compared to other server applications, web server software is also modestly priced.
• Low maintenance: Being server-based, web-based technology is easy to maintain, because there is a central point of administration and deployment (the web server). Other client/server solutions typically require more maintenance and support of each workstation.
• Widespread availability: The simplicity of the web browser and its low demands on computing resources have made this technology available to users on a wide range of computing platforms. In popular computing environments, many web browser choices are typically available. The web also extends access to previously isolated systems outside of an organization.
• Easier scalability: The performance of a web-based client/server application is more likely to be dependent on the capabilities of the web server and the networking infrastructure rather than the client workstation. Because the server is centrally located and administered, it is easier to upgrade as user demands increase.