9 Reasons to Convert Desktop Apps to Web

Alexander Kirpichny

Product Owner, Ispirer Systems

Desktop or web application: Many think this game has been over for a long time, and the winner is known. For several decades, desktop applications have continued to sink into oblivion, giving way to more flexible, cloud-based web applications. More and more companies discontinue their desktop apps to focus on increasing web and mobile demand.

However, some companies, such as Trello or Wrike, are moving from the web to the desktop. So, what is the best solution then? Web app or desktop app? What is the difference between web application and desktop application? Is there a real need to convert your desktop apps into the web?

In this article, we’ll answer all of the questions about desktop apps to web app migration. We will also weigh up the pros and cons of both web-based and desktop applications and provide insights into whether the conversion to the web is worth the effort.

Web application vs desktop application: what you need to know

Desktop to web application migration is a tough nut to crack. We will explore this topic from both user and company perspectives to understand all the pitfalls. Before weighing up all the pros and cons of each type, let's see what web-based and desktop apps are.

Web apps are software programs hosted on remote servers. You can access them through a web browser via an internet connection. Browser-based applications do not require installation on the user's device. They operate within the browser environment. Cloud-based web apps are becoming essential, too. They are appealing for their flexible storage, power, and service options.

For example, Google Docs is a popular web application that allows users to create, edit, and share documents. A web browser access to Google Docs lets users work on projects without extra software or hardware.

Desktop application refers to software that runs on your laptop, desktop, or other device. In most cases, it works without an internet connection. But you should install it on your computer device first to use it.

The evolution from desktop to web application

Back in the day, desktop app development assumed a single user before data sharing was even a thought. Early on in the 1990s, most small businesses had only one computer. In those days, everything was stored locally and that was fine. Modern technology of that time offered nothing better.

With the development of local area networks (LANs), data sharing became possible. Then, a dramatic change occurred with the widespread adoption of the internet. Suddenly, people could access applications from anywhere in the world. However, not every app could handle this new paradigm.

Cloud-based services for web apps took off in the late 2000s with platforms like AWS (2006). They were the first to offer scalable, affordable infrastructure. By the 2010s, faster internet and tools like Google Drive made the cloud-based infrastructure a go-to for cost optimization.

Such a shift made companies move their desktop apps to web app to stay connected to their customers.

Comparison of desktop and web apps

Some companies prefer not to move their desktop apps to web app because they are offline, secure, and high-performing. Others opt for migration because they need installation, storage, and manual updates.

Desktop apps to web app transitions give accessibility, collaborative options, and automatic updates. But web apps depend on the internet connection and face more security risks.

If you have a certain desktop to web application migration mind, feel free to refer to the table and assess what it will look like as a web app:

Based on the unique opportunities that desktop apps to web app migration offers, let’s summarize the key nine reasons to convert your desktop to web application.

9 reasons to switch your desktop app to web application

It’s time to provide our arguments for migrating from desktop to web application. All the reasons below show how migration benefits companies that decide to convert desktop apps to web app.

1. Higher accessibility

After the desktop apps to web app transition, you get flexibility other alternatives couldn’t provide. Thanks to the web application access from anywhere and anytime. Users can access the app from their work computer, home laptop, or even their mobile devices while on the go. Such accessibility is particularly beneficial for mobile users or those who need to work remotely. They also can collaborate with other team members from different geographic locations.

Another benefit of increased accessibility is that it can improve productivity and efficiency. Since users can access the app from anywhere, they can work on important tasks and projects even if they're out of the office. If your employees often go on business trips or work from home, a web app is a good choice.

2. No installation required

Installation of desktop applications can be time-consuming and often requires administrative privileges. It gets difficult for multiple users to access the app on shared computers. In case of the web apps, as long as the user has a web browser, they can access the app from anywhere. No installation is needed.

3. Automated updates

Automated updates cut compatibility issues and reduce the risk of bugs and data security breaches. Automatic updates also make it easier for companies to support applications, since everyone uses the same app version. Although quite straightforward, it’s one of the main advantages of web application over desktop application.

4. Modernizations

Switching your desktop to web application gives you all the opportunities of a web app. Even more, you can modernize the app while migrating. It's a good decision for enterprises with desktop applications written in legacy languages. A modern and convenient programming language will simplify the maintenance and further scaling of your app.

Sometimes you don’t even have to develop a web app from scratch. Many SaaS solutions and cloud-based services give you entire infrastructures and components for a fast time-to-market. These solutions also take care of the security of the components they provide.

5. Cross-platform compatibility

A web application usually works across different platforms and devices. They are more flexible and adaptable for different users. Companies benefit from developing a platform-independent web app a lot. It is much easier and cheaper than developing several versions of a desktop app for multiple users and their operating systems.

6. Easier user onboarding & updates

Connecting new users to a web application is very simple. On the other hand, desktop applications need individual installations on each device. The same applies to updates: desktop apps require manual updates on each device by each user. This process is time-consuming and cumbersome. It will take even longer for many apps and computers.

7. Cost efficiency

Hardware performance may not always be sufficient for desktop applications. Think of companies with a large number of computers. In contrast, desktop apps to web app conversion will eliminate high hardware performance requirements. Web apps allow saving up on computers and servers with flexible cloud-based storage.

When there is a large volume of data to store and process, a web application is more beneficial. Scaling the backend of a web app is much easier than upgrading computers for each user to reach high performance. Also, users do not need expensive and powerful hardware since servers handle everything.

8. Sales boost

Enterprises with proprietary applications may experience difficulties selling them. It's because desktop software often requires a one-time payment. Some customers may find it expensive. Switching to the web can fix it. You can set attractive pricing strategies and make the initial payment more appealing to customers.

One way is to offer subscription payment plans. It is a popular pricing strategy for a web application. This model lets customers pay for the software on a recurring basis. Let's say monthly or annually, rather than making a large one-time payment. Thus, the software becomes more affordable and accessible to a broader range of customers. You can also borrow pricing strategies from different types of companies. Such as cloud-based services are usually paid on the go. This means, you only pay for what space you have used.

Ultimately, you can increase sales and revenue for the company.

9. More collaboration options

Desktop apps to web app migration will open more opportunities for collaboration. For example, real-time chat, commenting, and editing tools. These features let team members communicate and work on projects together. They stay on track, share information, and complete tasks easier.

Web apps are also easy to customize. They are ideal for businesses of all sizes and purposes.

How to convert desktop to web application

Transitioning from desktop to web application can be a challenging project. Such a complicated process requires careful planning. Converting a desktop app to web app requires a thoughtful analysis of both technical and business requirements. It also needs a high level of expertise in web app development. With these factors in mind, the resulting web app will be of high quality, cost-efficient, and scalable.

Are you looking for a service for a smooth switch to the web? Take a look at the Ispirer desktop app migration services. The Ispirer team has highly qualified experts in app migration and app development with years of experience.

Before the desktop apps to web app migration, we give an in-depth analysis of the existing application. We also evaluate future improvements. Then, we develop a plan with all the necessary modernization and perform and test the converted app to measure its performance.

Contact us and get an expert consultation on the migration of your desktop to web application!