Why developing a web app makes sense for your company
A web app is accessible via the browser — on a laptop, tablet or smartphone. It works independent of the operating system and without an app store. This makes it a particularly low-threshold software solution for many projects — whether for your customers or internally for your team.
Benefits of a web app (used by your customers)
- Easy access: Your users don't need to install anything — just click on the link. This lowers the barrier to entry and increases the usage rate.
- Device-independent: Web apps work on any modern device with a browser. You don't have to choose between iOS, Android, or other operating systems.
- Quick updates: New features or fixes are immediately available to all users — without waiting in the app store and without downloads. Updates are done on the server side.
Benefits of a web app (internal use in the company)
- Wide-ranging access: Employees access important tools and information via the web app — in the office, working from home or on the go.
- Central data storage: Everything runs via the browser and your servers — no data chaos, no app versions on different devices.
- Quick development: Compared to native or cross-platform mobile apps, a first version as a web app can often be implemented much faster.
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Types of web apps: From classics to PWA
Not every web app is the same. There are different approaches — depending on what you want to achieve and how you want the application to behave later on.
Classic web app
This is the “normal” web application as you know it: accessible via a link, completely executable in the browser. Ideal for tools, dashboards, or customer portals.
- advantages: Rather rapid development, usable on all devices, easy access
- Limitations: Unable to use offline, limited access to device interfaces
Progressive Web App (PWA)
PWAs are web apps that behave like native apps: They can work offline, can be installed on the home screen and use browser functions such as push messages.
- advantages: App-like user experience without app store, offline-capable, performant
- Perfect for: Applications with recurring users, such as booking systems or customer portals.
Single Page Application (SPA)
With a SPA, the entire application is loaded dynamically in the browser. This ensures particularly quick responses — ideal for interactive tools or platforms.
- advantages: Very good user experience, without constantly reloading the page
- technologies: Often implemented with React, Vue, or Angular
Examples of web apps and their use
- Accounting software: Several providers provide their invoicing and accounting software exclusively as a web app. There is no need for software CDs or downloads, installation and local updates.
- Document management like DocuWare Cloud: This German web application enables efficient document management directly in the browser. Companies can use it to digitize their business processes, optimize work processes and reduce paper-based processes.
- Online identification such as WebID Solutions: Online identification for legally compliant identification of people via the Internet. This includes methods such as video identification and electronic signatures, which are used by banks and insurance companies, for example.
- Process automation like Camunda: Management of complex business processes in companies. Camunda makes it possible to model, execute, and monitor business processes and is used by companies such as Deutsche Telekom and NASA.
Many tour guides for museums or city trips also run as a web app. This is where the classic advantages take effect: Visitors and tourists don't have to install anything and can use the web app on virtually any modern smartphone.
Tip: Examples of web apps that we have developed at Axisbits can be found in our portfolio.
Time & costs: What does the effort involved in web app development depend on
How long it takes to develop a web app and how much it costs depends on several factors:
- Features & Complexity: A simple information app is faster to implement than a complex customer portal with login, user roles and interactive elements.
- Design & user experience: The more attention to detail you put into the design, the higher the effort — but also the benefits.
- Connection to third-party systems: Interfaces to CRM, ERP or other tools increase complexity.
- Future security: Should the web app be expandable as a PWA later on? Or even be transferred to a native app?
Roughly speaking: A simple web app is possible in just a few weeks. Large-scale projects can take several months. In our article, you can find out more about Duration of app development. In addition, we are happy to help you realistically estimate the effort.
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Tips and our conclusion
Before you dive deeper into thinking about your own web app development, here are a few recommendations from our experience:
- Start slim: Start with the most important features. A MVP (Minimum Viable Product) Get feedback faster and save money.
- Remember your users: Who uses the web app — customers or employees? What do they really need?
- Include updates & maintenance: Web apps must also be maintained. This includes bugs, new browser versions, or changed requirements.
- Avoid technical gimmicks: Focus on what your users need — not on features that are “nice to have.”
Conclusion: A web app can be a huge advantage for your company — fast, flexible and accessible on all devices. We'll find out in a conversation whether a web app or possibly a cross-platform solution is the better choice for you!
Web app development by Axisbits
From the initial idea to technical implementation to development after launch — we will guide you step by step. Together, we define what your web app should be able to do, develop a first version and help you expand it.
Do you want to start with a web app or do you need honest feedback on your idea?
Get in touch with us — we'll show you how we can help you. You can find many specific projects in our portfolio.
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