A software application accessed through a web browser is multifaceted. It can be characterized by several attributes, including being platform-independent, requiring no local installation beyond the browser itself. Furthermore, its functionality often relies on a network connection to a server, where the bulk of processing and data storage occur. A banking portal exemplifies this, allowing users to manage accounts and transactions from various devices without specific software installations on each.
The significance of this model lies in its ease of deployment, maintenance, and accessibility. Updates are managed centrally on the server, ensuring all users have the latest version without individual installations. This centralization also streamlines security protocols and reduces the attack surface compared to traditional desktop applications. Historically, this approach has evolved from simple HTML-based pages to sophisticated applications leveraging technologies such as JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS, leading to richer user experiences.
