Web applications are programs that run over the web either using javascript components or small java based applications called applets. A web application is an alternative to a traditional stand-alone application that is installed on your PC and run from your hard disk. Unlike the traditional application, the web application is not installed on your computer using a CD or download. The web application usually consists of a 'client' front end running on a browser and a back end application running on the application service provider (ASP) web server. The web pages that you use to input data and display information make up the core of the web application.

Since all of the data is stored on the ASP’s servers, a web application lends itself well to sharing information easily users. There are times where this is an important aspect of a web application. For example, a sales team that is distributed around the country can get up to date contact information, schedule meetings, and pass important notes quickly and securely using only an internet connection and web application. With a traditional application, such sharing would normally require a large capital investment of networking and data storage equipment to accomplish the same task.

In the beginning web applications did not provide the rich set of features and controls that are available in a traditional application. Most early web applications were little more than data entry screens with simple edit fields and buttons. With the advent of Dynamic HTML, Flash, and other web bowser improvements, web applications have graduated to a level of sophistication nearly equal to that of traditional applications. You can find web applications available to maintain your schedule, prepare your taxes, and even track your workout. Best of all the with the web application, you always have the latest version of the software so there is no need to perform endless upgrades of your applications. Because of this never-ending upgrade feature for web applications, you will find that many of them are subscription based. A typical subscription period is monthly but it is not uncommon to find quarterly or yearly subscriptions.  It is also possible to have a custom web application built for your company.  There are many ASP development firms who utilize special ASP tools and can provide a web application built to your specifications.