Web Based Applications

To use a web based application, all you need is an internet connection and a web browser. A 'server' does all the hard work; storing the data and running the software. Your server could be an old machine that's past it's sell by date in the corner of the office, a dedicated server purchased or rented from a web host, or your regular web hosting.

Only one set of data needs to be maintained, and any updates to the software are done centrally on the server instead of upgrading the software on individual machines, a great time saver if you have people working from more than a couple of computers.

You don't even need a computer; any internet capable device with a web browser can use a web based application. PDAs, mobile phones, even WebTV.