Web-Based vs Installed Software: Desktop, Network, Web and Cloud Compared
Short answer: Installed (desktop) software is set up on a single computer and only runs there; network (LAN) software is shared between several computers on one internal network; web-based software is reached through a browser and the internet from any location and any device; and cloud (Cloud) software is a type of web-based software delivered on a provider’s hosted, rented servers. For most growing businesses, web-based software is the best choice, because it is multi-user, available remotely and on mobile, and far more secure and simpler to maintain.
In this guide we compare the four common software models and help you choose the one that best fits your business. If you already have an old installed application and want to modernise it, see our rewrite and conversion of legacy software to web-based page.
The four software models in plain language
- Installed software (desktop): Set up on one specific computer, with data usually kept on that same machine. Simple, but limited to a single person and a single location.
- Network software (LAN): Installed on several machines on an internal network and connected to a shared database. It is multi-user, but only works inside that same network or building.
- Web-based software: Runs on a server and is reached through a browser; users connect to it from any location, any city and any device (computer, laptop, mobile).
- Cloud software (Cloud/SaaS): The same web-based software, hosted on a provider’s infrastructure and usually rented on a subscription basis (monthly/yearly).
Comparison table: installed, network, web-based and cloud software
| Feature | Installed (desktop) | Network | Web-based | Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote access | No | Inside the network only | From anywhere | From anywhere |
| Concurrent users | One user | Several users (internal) | Dozens of users | Dozens of users |
| Works on mobile | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Maintenance and updates | On each machine separately | Across the internal network | Once, on the server | Handled by the provider |
| Data ownership | Full (local) | Full (local) | Full (your own server) | On the provider’s server |
| Backups | Manual and risky | Manual/semi-automatic | Automatic and secure | Automatic |
Which model is right for your business?
If you have only one user and do not need remote access, installed software is enough; but as soon as several people need to work at the same time, a manager needs remote reporting, or a second branch is added, the limits of installed and network software become frustrating. This is where web-based software gives the best balance of accessibility, multi-user support, security and data ownership: unlike shared cloud services, you can host it on your own server and remain the full owner of your data.
Why most businesses migrate from installed to web-based software
Most of the companies that come to us have an old installed application that has become slow, no longer runs properly on modern Windows, or is no longer supported by its original developer. We convert it — together with all its data and business logic — into a fast, multi-user web-based application (more than 50 concurrent users). If you would rather have a ready-made, integrated solution, products such as our Data manufacturing ERP software and Avadar inventory management software are browser-based and multi-user.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between web-based and installed software?
Installed software is set up on a single computer and only works there, while web-based software runs on a server and is reached through a browser from any location and any device, and it supports many concurrent users.
Is web-based software more secure than installed software?
Well-designed web-based software is usually more secure, because instead of sitting on a vulnerable local disk, data is kept in a centralised database with role-based access control, encryption and automatic backups.
Can I run web-based software on my own server?
Yes. Unlike shared cloud software, a dedicated web-based application can be hosted on your own company server or a dedicated server, so ownership and full control of the data stay in your hands.
Can my current installed software be converted to web-based?
Yes. An old installed application can be rewritten and converted to a web-based version while fully preserving its data. You can find the details on our rewrite and conversion of legacy software to web-based page.
Want to move your software to the web?
If you are not sure which model suits your business, or you want to convert your current installed software to web-based, the experts at Barsavosh Fanavaran offer a free consultation. Request a free consultation and estimate
Other legacy technologies we migrate to the web
We have a dedicated guide for each of these legacy stacks too:
- Convert VB6 to Web Application: Migrate Legacy Visual Basic Apps
- Convert MS Access and Excel to a Web Application
- Convert Legacy Accounting Software to a Web Application
- Convert VB.NET to a Web App
- Migrate Delphi to a Web App
- Convert FoxPro to a Web App
- Migrate PowerBuilder to Web
- Convert Clipper/dBASE to a Web App
- Migrate a Sybase Database App to the Web
- Migrate Informix to a Web App
- Migrate RPG on AS/400 (IBM i) to a Web App
- Convert MS Access to a Web App
- Convert Paradox Database to a Web App
- Migrate COBOL to a Web App
- Migrate Progress OpenEdge to Web
- Migrate Magic / uniPaaS to a Web App
- Migrate Oracle Forms to a Web App
