5.3 Online Information Systems and Solutions (Web Information System) Web information system, or web-based information system, is an information system that uses Internet web technologies to deliver information and services, to users or other information systems/applications.
It is a software system that whose primary aim is to publish and maintain data by using hypertext based principles.
Web-based information displays many benefits of multimedia technology. Using today's fast broadband connection, it's possible to stream sophisticated content to a computer anywhere in the world. This is an advantage for many people as the information can be received and read wherever and whenever it is convenient for them, which can be a crucial factor for a busy executive. A significant amount of interactive multimedia content is now delivered via the internet.
A web information system usually consists of one or more web applications, specific functionality oriented components, together with information components and other non-web components. Web browser is typically used as front-end whereas database as back-end.
Key features of web-based Information System:
Web-based information systems have evolved significantly over recent years with its improvement. Web-based applications have several advantages over traditional software based applications. Some of the core features of web-based applications are given below:
1. Cross platform compatibility:
Most web-based applications are compatible in different platforms than traditional installed software. The minimum requirement would be a web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Netscape etc.). You can use different OS such as Windows, Linux or Mac to run the web applications.
2. More Manageable:
WBIS only need to be installed on the server placing minimal requirements on the end user workstation, which makes the system easier to maintain and update as usually it can all be done on the server.
3. Multiple concurrent users:
Web-based applications can indeed be used by multiple users at the same time. It’s not necessary to share screen or send a screenshot when multiple users see and even edit the same document at the same time. Web conferencing and online collaboration companies regulate some key transformations and users only explore what they really need to work effectively and co-edit documents together.
4. Reduced cost:
Web-based applications can reduce cost due to support and maintenance, lower requirements on the end user system and simplified architecture. It doesn’t require any distribution or marketing infrastructure.
5. Secure live data:
These applications can decrease the risk of losing data due to an unexpected disk crash or computer virus. Companies of web-based applications provide extensive data backup service either as an integral part or basic service or sometimes as a paid service.