Mobile App vs. Web App - What's the Difference & Why It Matters

The Ultimate aim of businesses is to improve their processes and implement solutions to generate revenue. Both Web Apps and Mobile Apps are scalable technology and possess huge potential for business. In these days when there is an app for almost every need, companies often have a question “Do I need to develop a Mobile App or to provide a Web application?” Defining your business needs is the best answer to decide how to proceed. Make decision based on your business objectives, offer, purpose, product or service, consumer, and more. Rather assuming based on competition it is always important to develop those things in mind. Here in this article let us try to understand the difference between them and their impact in decision making.

Understanding The Difference:

A Mobile application is downloaded by the user usually from Google play store or App store and installed directly on the mobile device. Once the app is installed the user can launch the application from a short cut on their phone device. Whereas, a Web application is similar to a mobile website which is designed to function in modern browsers on the devices such as tablets, desktops, laptops and mobile phones. This implies that user can simply access a URL in their web browser on any device and the application will run for them.

Mobile Application – A Closer Look:

Since the smartphones era began, Apps serves as a passive content consumption interface. A great Mobile App adds an extra comfort to consumers than they get from a desktop or mobile website. They offer instant information and efficient access to products. Hence by providing an immediate handheld solution, loyalty of consumers can be increased. Mobile Apps provide a wider integrated multi-channel retail policy that can benefit both consumers and brands with huge benefits. For every need whether it is online shopping, checking weather, downloading content there is an app for it. Below are some

examples for popular Mobile Apps:

Amazon - Amazon app is one of the most downloaded shopping apps in the world. This enables users to shop the full selection of their products and purchase items on the move. Push notifications alert the customer when their ordered item has been shipped and delivered, and keep them in the loop with their purchase and the brand’s name regularly popping up. In addition Amazon app offers a shareable wish list feature which encourages family and friends to buy gifts.

Domino’s Pizza – One of the effective apps for ordering food is Domino’s Pizza .This application offers a built-in pizza tracker allowing users to keep an eye on their order and delivery process. Consumers can quickly order their tailored takeaway meals and pay with ease.

Cam Scanner – This is the application for document scanning and sharing. Cam Scanner helps to scan, store, sync, share and collaborate various contents. It quickly scans and digitizes paper documents like notes, invoices, receipts, business cards and so on.

Web Application – A Closer Look:

Web applications provide a more consistent user interface across various platforms as the appearance is dependent on the browser rather than the operating system. In addition, the data entered into a Web App is processed and saved remotely. This enables to access the same data from different devices, instead of transferring files between computer systems. All these data captured, stored, processed and transmitted can be used immediately or at a later date. Web applications, in the form of submit fields, login forms and inquiry, shopping carts, and content management systems, are some of the website widgets that allow this to happen. Thus they are, fundamental for businesses to leverage their online presence, creating a long-lasting and profitable relationship with prospects and customers. Using Web applications, it is made easier to maintain a proper communication channel between potential customers and the business organization. Through this distribution of the product knowledge can be increased as well.

Below are some examples for popular Web Apps:

IRCTC – This is one of the popular Web App downloaded by millions of users. By signing up with a user name and password you can become a member. Then you can view available trains list, book train tickets and even now can order your favourite food through this application.

Banking Applications – Almost all the banks have made their web application available for their user. Users can do many activities like money transfer, cheque book request; update their banking credentials with ease at home. These web applications have added a great comfort of easy banking without physically visiting the bank.

Tnstc – This is a web application of our state government for booking bus tickets. Similar to train tickets by signing up you can view and schedule your bookings. This application allows you to do cashless payment with the benefit of card pay. A simple E-ticket carrying facility enables user to enjoy a convenient journey.

For the question “Which is better a Web App or Mobile app”? , picking a specific answer is not necessarily to be straightforward. The answer for this depends on what your priorities are for today and also based on the plan to do in the future. The solution depends on many factors and there is no universal answer for it. Before deciding on between Web and Mobile App you have to understand your possible users of application and how they will interact with it. You should take in consideration your targeted audience and their specific requirements for using the app.