5 reasons to switch from desktop to browser-based services

Nowadays, more and more desktop services and programs are moving to the browser and creating their own extensions. This trend will only increase in the future, because it is important for users to get access to the desired program as quickly as possible and solve their problem. To access a browser-based service, you don't need to install anything on your computer and wait for the program to load - just click on the desired link, go to the browser and continue your work.

Benefits of browser-based solutions

Browser-based software is faster, and service interfaces are clearer and more concise than traditional desktop software. Updates to such services are rolled out much faster and developers can quickly make any necessary changes. Unlike desktop applications, the user does not need to obtain permissions to access the program and have administrator rights to run it.

No need to install anything

You don't need to install any software on your computer to work in the service via your browser. You just enter the program through any web browser and start working. All operations and updates are performed on the local or cloud server. As a rule, desktop software requires a specific operating system and technical capabilities.

No tethering to the device

Web-based software allows you to work on your preferred hardware rather than being tied to a specific device. If part of your team prefers Apple and another prefers Android, no problem! Web solutions are device-independent, most are cross-platform and available on any type of device and operating system.

No maintenance required

Using web-based software, you don't have to worry about updates. An experienced IT technician installs any updates on the host server. The next time you access the software over the Internet, you will automatically use an already updated version and may not even notice it.

Centralized data storage

With desktop software, all your data is stored on one particular computer on which your program is installed. With web-based software, your data is centralized, so you can access it from any device.

In addition, the web hosting provider backs up your web applications daily. That way, you don't have to remember to perform backups. And you don't have to worry about losing any data.

Safety and security

With traditional desktop software, your data may be at risk. You can accidentally download a virus disguised as an update, download it to your computer, and lose all your data.

Browser-based software is more secure. Your data is password-protected, so only authorized people can access it. Moreover, your data will be stored on servers with multiple levels of security. In addition, it will be automatically updated with the latest security patches and anti-virus updates, and there will be regular backups to ensure your data is protected. You can always enable two-factor authentication for additional protection.

Useful services that work in the browser

Here is a small list of services that used to be popular in the desktop version, and then they were replaced by their browser-based counterparts.

Google Docs as an alternative to desktop Microsoft Office. All data are stored in the cloud, and auto-save works.

Figma as a replacement for desktop Photoshop. Most designers switched from cumbersome Photoshop to Figma a long time ago, it has everything you need to create creatives and work in teams.

Getscreen.me is an alternative to Teamviewer and Anydesk. Remote access via your browser without installing any additional programs allows for a faster connection, while security is ensured by WebRTC technology and SSL protocol.

Text or Caret (Google Chrome extensions). Will be useful for developers as a replacement for desktop and already outdated Notepad and Sublime Text.