Internet-Based Application Development

Programs that work in a Web Browser

The Internet provides a perfect environment for collaborative computing, especially between people in separate locations. Practically any type of program can be written so it works from inside a standard Web browser. This can have a number of tremendous benefits, including:

• Ease of access-- no programs to install on each computer using the application. The application can be used securely from anywhere there is a computer and Internet connection.
• Central database-- by centralizing your business information it becomes much easier to manage and use your valuable data. Not only can you access all this information from one location, but the data is also well protected with centralized backups.
• Security-- define exactly who has access to what parts of the application and what information they can view or modify. Keep track of changes to information and ensure data integrity.
• Partner integration-- having a program that makes use of the Internet means being able to share information with any partner organizations you may have. Another example of this is using a service provided by a 3rd party, such as a live shipping rate lookup.
• Easy updates-- since the application is centrally located, feature additions, bug fixes, and other updates are immediately available to all users. No need to distribute and install new versions of a program for everyone in your organization. Furthermore, changes can be made much quicker and more often than in a traditional application since deployment isn't an issue.

Internet-based applications can be written to perform practically any task an organization may need. A "dynamic" Web site where content is managed and presented by a program on the Web server is part of an application. Typically such a site would have an administration interface where the site owner can update or add information to the public side of the site, and a database to store all this information in a structured format. This is the most typical application we build and can vary in scope from a simple 5-page promotional site with some product images or other information maintained by the site owner (example: Lauman's Furniture), to the needs of a large organization's information portal maintained by members around the world (example: ABRF).

Another example of a Internet-based application we've worked on is the GE Dealer Express program. This is an application used by car dealers to apply for and process all paperwork for automobile loans and leases for their customers. The program took a complex and time-intensive process and made loan approvals possible within 10 minutes of initial application, plus generated all paperwork ready for signature. The car dealers were simply required to have a computer and any Internet connection, including dialup or AOL.

World Design Group can bring their experience building Internet-based applications for Fortune 100 companies to your business. We are a small, focused firm with in-depth experience. Please contact us to discuss your needs.