Both websites and web applications run in browsers, both require access to the internet, both have a front end and a back end written in the same programming languages. Web application development differs significantly from the development of a website. So let’s dot the I’s and find out what distinguishes these kinds of web software and which option is better for you.
Still, we believe that the ‘web application vs website’ difference not only exists but also is vital to understand clearly when you are looking for an online solution for your business. What is more, they both possess such attributes as interactivity, integration, and authentication. There are several points that draw a line between a website and a web application.
Social networks are another impressive example. They connect users via chats and blog platforms, generate feed content based on users’ preferences and allow for almost unlimited content sharing, not to speak of their built-in mini-applications for user entertainment. Similar functionality can be found in an online store that allows visitors to search through the catalog and buy items instantly.
A typical website contains far fewer interactive elements than informational content, and the user usually spends most of the time on a website reading, viewing, or listening. The situation is the opposite with web applications, as their core functionality is based on interaction. The problem is that today one can rarely encounter a website without a hint of interactivity. Modern websites usually contain small web application elements.
A CRM stores all customer data in one place, providing easy access to them for the employees. This way, your team will get access to a full set of data about customers, their inquiries, communication, and feedback. This enables exploring customer behavior and buying habits, as well as settle their claims faster.
A website also can be integrated with a CRM. This allows providing users with more personalized content. However, for a website, it’s rather a rarely implemented feature than a part of the core functionality. Take integration of a business web application (say, an e-shop) with a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. The integration will allow automatic collection of web application user data and storing it in the CRM.
Web applications mostly require authentication, as they offer a much broader scope of options than websites. Consider an example of social networks. It is a must for the web software that requires any personal information. User accounts must be secured to prevent unauthorized access and leakage of sensitive data. Authentication is the procedure that involves entering a user’s login and password to get access to the system.
If you leave them unchanged, hackers may reach your account and steal your information, as well as irritate other users with junk emails under your name. When you register, you create an account and get a unique identification number. The system warns you if your login and password are weak.
1. Interactivity
The interaction takes the form of a dialog: the user clicks a button or submits a form and gets a response from the page. In the case of a web application, the user can not only read the page content but also manipulate the data on this page. This response may take a form of a document download, online chat, electronic payment and more. The first point to start ‘web application vs. website’ differentiation with is interactivity. A website provides visual and text content that the user can see and read, but not affect in any way.Social networks are another impressive example. They connect users via chats and blog platforms, generate feed content based on users’ preferences and allow for almost unlimited content sharing, not to speak of their built-in mini-applications for user entertainment. Similar functionality can be found in an online store that allows visitors to search through the catalog and buy items instantly.
A typical website contains far fewer interactive elements than informational content, and the user usually spends most of the time on a website reading, viewing, or listening. The situation is the opposite with web applications, as their core functionality is based on interaction. The problem is that today one can rarely encounter a website without a hint of interactivity. Modern websites usually contain small web application elements.
2. Integration
Integration means bringing together different components to build a more comprehensive system. Both websites and web applications can be integrated with other software (CRM, ERP, etc.). Still, integration is more typical for web applications, because their complex functionality often requires interaction with extra systems.A CRM stores all customer data in one place, providing easy access to them for the employees. This way, your team will get access to a full set of data about customers, their inquiries, communication, and feedback. This enables exploring customer behavior and buying habits, as well as settle their claims faster.
A website also can be integrated with a CRM. This allows providing users with more personalized content. However, for a website, it’s rather a rarely implemented feature than a part of the core functionality. Take integration of a business web application (say, an e-shop) with a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. The integration will allow automatic collection of web application user data and storing it in the CRM.
3. Authentication
Authentication is not obligatory for informational websites. The user may be offered to register to get access to additional options unavailable to unregistered website visitors. However, if you want to leave a comment you will have to log in. This way, users confirm their identity allowing the system to block spammers.
If you leave them unchanged, hackers may reach your account and steal your information, as well as irritate other users with junk emails under your name. When you register, you create an account and get a unique identification number. The system warns you if your login and password are weak.
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