Plugin vs Desktop App?

by dcmalk

Posted: 10 years ago 6 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

Hey everyone! I'm eager for some opinions.

I have this idea for a software product, but here's the thing - it could be written as either a plugin or a desktop app. I have read that some people find having to setup WP to host a plugin a headache; however, I haven't found much about feelings towards desktop apps. My gut tells me some would be less than enthused about installing software on their computer.

If given the choice between the two, what would you prefer? Is there a higher trust level for plugins? Does the ease of a desktop app trump?

Thanks,
Damon

#app #desktop #plugin #product #software

digitalproductreporter 10 years ago

what does the software do?

that would help me know if i'd prefer to install it on a desktop or as a plugin
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- dcmalk 10 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by digitalproductreporter
  
  what does the software do?
  
  that would help me know if i'd prefer to install it on a desktop or as a plugin
  
  Lead capturing, tracking and analytics.
  
  That being said, my question is more in general about how plugins are perceived vs desktop apps.
  
  Thanks
  
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  digitalproductreporter 10 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by dcmalk
  
  Lead capturing, tracking and analytics.
  
  That being said, my question is more in general about how plugins are perceived vs desktop apps.
  
  desktop apps have the opinion they are ancient relics, welcome back to 1999
  
  plugins are popular but it would be goofy to install wordpress just to run a plugin and have no other use for the wordpress installation (besides making it a hacking target or liability on your server)
  
  seems like you might look at saas (software as a service) and just have people login to your site and pay as they go, or build a website that can do the stuff the desktop app could do, servers are pretty powerful these days
  
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Sarevok 10 years ago

I think plugins are easier.

Desktop apps could have compatibility issues, installation issues, runtime issues, etc. etc. etc.

Wordpress plugins are much easier.

Just my $.02...
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Sarevok 10 years ago

Good point digital... SaaS is probably the BEST way to go... (Easiest for end user, would make it look more professional, and has a high perceived value)...

But then again it could be a little harder to setup hehe. (Just weighing the pros and cons)...

Another thing I hate about standard desktop apps is that people could accuse you of having "dirty code" or otherwise being infected lol. (I am a paranoid IT dude, so this may be unfounded... But I've always had a problem executing strange .exe files from unknown sources... I guess it's a philosophical debate)...
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ohman1988 10 years ago

Great ideas man, the only problem I see with desktop apps as apposed to plug-ins is it feels like most people (me included) don't use them as much or are more inclined to download plug-ins first! Not sure why that is, but I just don't like having an extra program on my PC You have the right ideas man keep it up, it might be worth getting the plug-in set up!
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