It is easy to get confused between different terms online. One that is often misunderstood by non-programmers is how a web app differs from a website? Aren’t they the same thing and produced for the same purpose too? Actually, they aren’t and they’re not. To clarify the situation, we cover the major differences between websites and web apps.
What is a Website?
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A website like one produced by the knowledgeable team at Vudu is designed primarily to deliver information. It may also be used to generate ecommerce sales. Primarily, the site will be a place to find information about the business and its products or services. Websites may include eCommerce functionality to allow site visitors to purchase a product (digital or one to be shipped out). Also, they may purchase a service provided by the company, such as for office cleaning.
What is a Web App?
Think of a web app as replacing software installed on a computer or a mobile device. Instead of downloading and setting up a piece of software, the web browser is used to provide a somewhat similar experience over the internet.
Usually, a web app provides a specific service entirely online. There may be live chat support or phone support offline, but the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model is most commonly a digital-only one.
Why a Company Would Choose a Website (and Not a Web App)
Websites are sales vehicles. They may offer information, but if they’re owned by an operating company, then they are more than brochureware.
They may look to capture emails through a newsletter to know more about their site visitors and keep in touch with them. Promotional offers can be periodically sent via email too.
Ecommerce may be used to sell goods and services. However, the business provides its goods and/or services offline. Maybe they operate a small local courier service, a sandwich store or an ice-skating rink. So, while they take bookings and sell online, they complete the transaction offline.
Why Would a Company Have a Web App Developed?
A company could provide an accounting package that is accessible anywhere through a browser and a secure login. This is what’s called a SaaS. Alternatively, a quick photo editor could be provided to people who want to add filters to their images and remove blemishes before publishing their latest snaps. Only the use of a web browser is required to access the web app and make changes to your photos.
In situations where the site is the service being provided and has all the features delivered on the site itself, then it makes sense for it to be a web app.
Which is Best?
There is no right or wrong answer here. Subsequently, there is no “best.” It depends on what is needed as to whether a website or a web app should be developed. There are also circumstances where a company has a website for their business and a separate web app developed provided as a SaaS too. They’re not necessarily mutually exclusive – Microsoft 365 offers online access to their Word and Excel apps while still providing downloadable apps for Windows and Mac, and an information site too.
Unlike with installed software, a web app (or SaaS) is accessible through pretty much any device that’s connected to the internet. It gets around potential compatibility issues and reduces the time spent fixing software bugs before launching the app. A website, whether providing information or selling products is just as valid; however, it is developed with completely different objectives in mind.