Website or Web Application – What Do I Really Need?
When is a corporate website sufficient – and when does a custom application become worthwhile?
The boundary between website and web application is fluid. What matters is not the technology, but what your users should be able to do – and how that will evolve in the future.
The Starting Question
A classic corporate website informs. A web application enables interaction, processes, or transactions. Between them lies a broad spectrum – and the right choice depends on your specific requirements.
When a Website Is Enough
- You want to present your company online
- Content is primarily consumed, not edited
- Contact requests come via form or email
- Changes to content are rare or centrally managed
When You Need a Web Application
- Users need to log in and work with data
- Processes should be automated (orders, bookings, workflows)
- Integration with existing systems (ERP, CRM, inventory) is necessary
- Multiple user groups with different permissions
The Honest Recommendation
Do not start with the technology, but with the question: What should the user be able to do? Often a well-structured website with extended CMS is sufficient. Sometimes you need a platform from the start. We help with the assessment.
Comparison at a Glance
Corporate Website
- Quick to implement
- Lower entry cost
- Easy maintenance
- Limited interactivity
- No complex processes
Web Application
- Full flexibility
- Process automation
- System integration possible
- Higher initial effort
- More planning time
Steffen Fasselt
Projektleiter
We clarify in 20 minutes which solution makes sense – and which does not.