For my ninth blog I would like to discuss the topic of web-top applications. A web-top application is basically any desktop application that is run through a web browser. This is not to be confused with a web/network operating system. A web-top integrates web applications, web services, client server applications, and application servers to provide and environment similar to Windows, Mac, or any other comparable desktop application.
The term Web-top was first introduced by Santa Cruz Operation in 1994 to describe the web based operations for their Unix operating system. Since then it has grown significantly with many major online companies trying to get in on the expanding market. The most used is Microsoft, which offers its popular Office Suite as a web-top, while the ever growing Google is not far behind with Google Apps. Other companies like yahoo, Adobe, and Lazlo are also in the race, but seem to be falling behind the two front runners.
Web-top applications have many advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages include convenience, mobility, software management, and high availability from many locations. These are all very good reasons to use web-top applications. There are still disadvantages though such as speed( speed of the application relies on the speed of the connection), network connectivity, the applications features, and central control issues. One area that is an area for debate is the issue of security, as on one side your information will be less venerable to typical attacks( such as viruses, worms, and other vulnerabilities) as well as stored on a secured server. Unfortunately, the recent attacks on Google have showed us that any server can be hacked, so as long as your information is still transferred over the Internet it can still be intercepted. None the less web-top applications are a great advancement in technology, and are sure to grow to new prevalence over the next few years.
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ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting introduction. I think the web-top provides the more convenient way of connecting to achieve the application. Even though sometimes I feel that these applications is not really useful or it will bring some problems, I believe it will continuous develop in the future.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think web-top will continue to grow and they will reduce their flaws but like you said, If it's on the internet it can still be intecepted. I believe it is a good idea and it does help us out in many ways such as convenience and mobility. One of the main points to this is in fact the security, companies may have to post things that they don't necessarily want online and this could lead into whether or not they are willing to take the risks. Overall, good idea though.
ReplyDeleteIt's really useful. It's easy to access.You don't need bookmark every page one by one. A really good small tool I like.
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