What feels more valuable: A Desktop Application or Website Service?

when google gets their way all "the cloud" stuff will be predominate and desktop apps won't really be nearly as common, everything will be a service. In terms of right now I suppose it's service since it can be accessed by any connected device, laptop, phone, etc.. for anywhere depending on the setup. The added benefit is it's much harder for users to "crack" web services since they don't have complete access to everything, where as a desktop app that's not reliant on a service, they do.

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AdwordsMogul

12 years ago

It really depends on how you present them.

For example you can say a web service allows them to securely access the product anywhere, without worrying about installations, viruses etc.

Of you can say they can easily install their app on their laptops/PCs and have it with them all the time - even if there is no internet connection (if possible).

At the end of the day, the results you offer + your credibility are more important, so go with what's most effective for you.

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Workman

12 years ago

Originally Posted by BIG Mike

Interesting question - from a consumer perspective, I suspect having something tangible tends to cement the feeling of value, i.e.; paying for that new car in the driveway as opposed to paying the electric bill, which everyone complains about.

From a business perspective, web apps are the probably the most profitable in terms of reduced support, simplified upgrade process, scalability, etc. If the web service is highly interactive, then you can get around the "Intangible" aspect of it.

While I agree a desktop app does feel like you actually own the software, there are rarely any updates to this sort of software and cross-platform (mac & PC) support is rare. Those are both areas where web services seem to shine, but may feel cheaper because of that intangible feel that you mentioned. How does a product over come that aspect?

Thanks

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Workman

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Jimmy Mailhot

Unfortunately, these days there's not enough web services. It's not cheaper but i'd definitely pay more for a web service automated than a desktop app..

How do you mean? There seem to be an influx of web services and subscription sites with videos mixed in with the stable pdf.

Originally Posted by cashtree

when google gets their way all "the cloud" stuff will be predominate and desktop apps won't really be nearly as common, everything will be a service. In terms of right now I suppose it's service since it can be accessed by any connected device, laptop, phone, etc.. for anywhere depending on the setup. The added benefit is it's much harder for users to "crack" web services since they don't have complete access to everything, where as a desktop app that's not reliant on a service, they do.

The mobility of an application is becoming increasingly more important, but I actually haven't seen too many WSOs make good use of the mobile space -- web-based or otherwise.

Thanks

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Workman

12 years ago

Originally Posted by AdwordsMogul

It really depends on how you present them.

For example you can say a web service allows them to securely access the product anywhere, without worrying about installations, viruses etc.

Of you can say they can easily install their app on their laptops/PCs and have it with them all the time - even if there is no internet connection (if possible).

Very true, they both have their (dis)advantages, but even most affiliate desktop applications connect to the internet to perform some sort of action.

Thanks

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angela99

12 years ago

FWIW, I prefer Web apps and services.

Mainly because I'm a Mac person. Even if I used Windows, I'd still be wary of downloading applications which I don't know.

So I don't know about "valuable", but I wouldn't buy something which contained a desktop application...

Re Web services -- love them. Anything to do with keywords gets my interest for example.

Re the "extras" -- Excel files, templates etc. Yes, valuable to me -- except I've become wary of WordPress plugins from sources I don't know -- bad experiences. WP material is becoming as suspect as desktop applications.

Cheers

Angela

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Workman

12 years ago

Originally Posted by angela99

FWIW, I prefer Web apps and services.

Mainly because I'm a Mac person. Even if I used Windows, I'd still be wary of downloading applications which I don't know.
...
Re the "extras" -- Excel files, templates etc. Yes, valuable to me -- except I've become wary of WordPress plugins from sources I don't know -- bad experiences. WP material is becoming as suspect as desktop applications.

Thanks for your insight. I switch between the two platforms and love it when I don't have to think about whether or not I can access my applications on one platform(PC) but not the other(Mac).

I do see a number of WP-Plugins that are touted as value-add items to WSOs, but I generally feel the same way. I suppose they translate into sales well enough to justify the flood of offers that feature them. It seems like any software offering that saves time by automating even the smallest of tasks tends to rank well.

Thanks

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JohnMcCabe

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Workman

I've been mulling this around for awhile and thought I'd toss it up for discussion.
When you come across a WSO or product that offers some sort of software offering, what feels like it has more value regardless of actual value: A desktop application or a web service?

A Desktop Application would be anything that you download to your computer and run/install. (I've noticed some WSOs offer applications using Adobe Air, any thoughts on products that use the Air platform?)

A web service would be a website that you would log into to use the service (subscription sites come to mind)

It depends on what I'm trying to accomplish. Things like photo editing, basic spreadsheet stuff, even website design, I want a desktop app. Things like keyword research, or anything that depends on a contiuously updated database, I'll take the web service.

Originally Posted by Workman

There are times when said WSOs bundle the source code or template for a website or excel files for quick calculations and that sort of thing. What do you feel when you buy a new WSO and you see "items" those types of files?

For instance, when I buy a WSO and there's a desktop application included it simply feels more valuable because it's something I feel like I own and not at the mercy of the seller's website uptime. On the flipside, I enjoy the updated nature of web applications.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Things which make a process easier add value. These, I welcome. Stuff added only to increase the 'thud' factor, I don't. In fact, sometimes those throw-ins can make the package seem less valuable (PDF copy of "Think and Grow Rich", valued at $97, anyone?)

I'm with the others on the plug-in issue. Unless I know and trust the coder, or it's been publicly vetted (like the WP.org site's listings), I won't use it. I don't like adding a zillion plugins, anyway. Same goes for themes. Too easy to either screw things up royally or do something shady and hide it from the marks.

Thanks

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IMHunter

12 years ago

I would choose a Web service. But it also depends on many things.

Thanks

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Adrian Int

12 years ago

Workman, this is a good thread topic.

Something that can actually be discussed... and better yet - something that involves the customer! Haha..

This forum see a lot of questions that are "me" centric, and too many "discussion" threads that are really just ad placements.. :-P

In terms of perceived value... I think I would prefer the service.

I like software... but I usually feel like I *could* get it for free.
It's annoying to mention to a friend that you just bought the new album from [band here] only to have them laugh in your face because they sailed the 7 seas in search of treasure and got it for free... y'know? ;-)

It's hard to get a service for free, though, so I generally feel like I won't regret the purchase.

Cheers,
-Adrian

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Steven Miranda

12 years ago

A web service. I think this is because you have more ACCESS to it as far as portability in most cases thus increasing the value?

Thanks
1 reply

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Daniel Evans 12 years ago

It depends what your product / service is but I'm more likely to favour somehing I download as opposed to something web based but there's are many factors to consider.
- Thanks
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nicelife

12 years ago

Most of the times I prefer to use a web based application because of the ease of use and less hassle with various things.

From a developer perspective, a desktop application is sometimes the preferred choice. The nature of the application governs this choice and if the app requires a lot of computer power and is performing lengthy and demanding data processing per user, this can be the cheapest choice for the owner/creator of the software.

From a user perspective, it's obvious that the webapp has got a lot of advantages because the user don't have to worry about updates, spyware, installation etc

When talking about the perceived value however, I do think that downloadable software feels more valuable, or at least that's how I feel even though the webapp is more practical often.

It can be quite a difficult choice, no doubt.

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blillard

12 years ago

The value for me is the functionality of the program or app. For me it can be either way as long as it does what it says it it does. What I don't like about tangible software though when I launch it sometimes I have to wait for the updates, not that its bad to do so but usually I turn it on when I need it now and would much rather not wait for it to update. With web apps I don't have that issue

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macker2298

12 years ago

well i would say that it feels like a more tangible service when i get a desktop app because i actually feel like i bought/own something now (it's in my computer

), however it's really irrelevant since the actual benefit is on the functionality of the product/sevice...never underestimate a persons sense of ownership over something though

Thanks
1 reply

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Workman

12 years ago

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

Unless I know and trust the coder, or it's been publicly vetted (like the WP.org site's listings), I won't use it. I don't like adding a zillion plugins, anyway. Same goes for themes. Too easy to either screw things up royally or do something shady and hide it from the marks.

Any Wordpress theme or plugin has full reach into the rest of the web application and I'm glad that the is a healthy hesitance of new WP plugins. On the flipside, practical and well developed plugins can create a huge amount of value to an IMer. If you come across a plugin that you like a lot, how do you go about confirming the credibility of the developer normally?

Thanks
2 replies

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Workman

12 years ago

Originally Posted by blillard

The value for me is the functionality of the program or app. For me it can be either way as long as it does what it says it it does. What I don't like about tangible software though when I launch it sometimes I have to wait for the updates, not that its bad to do so but usually I turn it on when I need it now and would much rather not wait for it to update. With web apps I don't have that issue

Thanks for your input!

Originally Posted by macker2298

well i would say that it feels like a more tangible service when i get a desktop app because i actually feel like i bought/own something now (it's in my computer

), however it's really irrelevant since the actual benefit is on the functionality of the product/sevice...never underestimate a persons sense of ownership over something though

That's essentially the same feeling I get when I download something, but really I'm entrusting that developer with access to my computer when I run that program. I agree with you that it feels more valuable actually having the program you paid for on your computer -- that's an important factor and one I'm glad you pointed out.

Originally Posted by zaco

I would suggest the web service but it all depends on your budget

1) If you will run it on your website then you will need to have enough resources to support the application, you need a dedicated server or more, it all depends on the application and what it does

2) Using a webservice will eliminate your WSO from being cracked and offered for free, this is a huge advantage, if you create an application then people will get the cracked version and you will find it all over the place on the BH forums

Excellent point! Thanks for pointing out the security aspect of having a downloadable application. There are so many different price point options for web hosting that I almost consider it negligible in the short run -- especially for Warriors that aren't expecting a lot of traffic (Though that could be a naive assumption to make)

Thanks

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JohnMcCabe

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Workman

Any Wordpress theme or plugin has full reach into the rest of the web application and I'm glad that the is a healthy hesitance of new WP plugins. On the flipside, practical and well developed plugins can create a huge amount of value to an IMer. If you come across a plugin that you like a lot, how do you go about confirming the credibility of the developer normally?

I don't rely on any one thing.

> Having the plugin listed on the wordpress.org site is a big plus. Thing is, paid plugins can't get this. So the next step is seeing if the developer has other plugins that are listed; if so, what feedback is available?

> Is this the initial offer of the plugin, or does it have some history of support? How long does it take to either update or confirm performance with WP version updates?

> Is the developer known for creating quality plugins? Is anyone having compatibility problems? I'll check the support forums for the plugin name and see if people are having problems with it.

Then there's the issue of needing a plugin at all. Can I do a simple tweak to a theme template, for example. Can I add a bit of javascript or php code directly, maybe a SSI include, without having to add multiple server calls? Plugins can be great for people who can't or won't get a little digital grease under their nails, but I avoid them wherever I can.

You hear about WP installs with 50-100 plugins installed, and you just have to wonder...

Thanks

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zaco

12 years ago

I would suggest the web service but it all depends on your budget

1) If you will run it on your website then you will need to have enough resources to support the application, you need a dedicated server or more, it all depends on the application and what it does

2) Using a webservice will eliminate your WSO from being cracked and offered for free, this is a huge advantage, if you create an application then people will get the cracked version and you will find it all over the place on the BH forums

Thanks

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bchez

12 years ago

It depends on what you are offering.

If its a service where people find themselves uploading all sorts of things (images, spreadsheets whatever) in order for the program to work, it should be desktop based so they can just open the files instead of uploading.

For tracking data, I prefer web based. But I am one of those people who don't like having things on my computer.

And the honest answer is that the value is in the benefits the product provides. Method of delivery is a feature.

Thanks

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Workman

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Adrian Int

Workman, this is a good thread topic.
...
In terms of perceived value... I think I would prefer the service.
...
It's hard to get a service for free, though, so I generally feel like I won't regret the purchase.

Thanks! Most of us have purchased one or more information product on internet marketing topics here or elsewhere, so I thought most Warriors would have a general idea of what they expect when they purchase offers containing a software product.

Originally Posted by Steven Miranda

A web service. I think this is because you have more ACCESS to it as far as portability in most cases thus increasing the value?

Mobility and portability IS important. It's simply more cost effective to maintain an application on one, hosted platform than on multiple platforms (Windows/Mac/Android/iOS).

Thanks

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Workman

12 years ago

Originally Posted by nicelife

Most of the times I prefer to use a web based application because of the ease of use and less hassle with various things.

From a developer perspective, a desktop application is sometimes the preferred choice. The nature of the application governs this choice and if the app requires a lot of computer power and is performing lengthy and demanding data processing per user, this can be the cheapest choice for the owner/creator of the software.

From a user perspective, it's obvious that the webapp has got a lot of advantages because the user don't have to worry about updates, spyware, installation etc

When talking about the perceived value however, I do think that downloadable software feels more valuable, or at least that's how I feel even though the webapp is more practical often.

Good insights. Thanks for going into detail there. The ability to jump offline and offload otherwise expensive compute cycles for data processing is a huge benefit for the product developer and the client. Though much of the time, that very same data could be spent to benefit other users or be stored online to make itself available across multiple platforms.

Thanks

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Backlink Tycoon

12 years ago

Use both Adobe Air and Web Service

You can create a website service and just put an iframe in adobe air of that website and boom instant desktop app that will work for PC, Mac and I THINK linux not sure..

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What feels more valuable: A Desktop Application or Website Service?

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