[pmoriarty]

There are a bunch of reasons people/companies like web apps:

1 - Everyone already has a web browser, so there's no software to download (or the software is automatically downloaded, installed and run, if you want to look at it that way... either way, the experience is a lot easier and more seamless for the user)

2 - The website owner has control of the software, so they can update it and manage user access as they like, and it's easier to track users and usage that way

3 - There are a ton of web developers out there, so it's easier to find people to work on your app

4 - You ostensibly don't need to rewrite your app for every OS, but may need to modify it for every supported browser

[rspoerri]

Most of these aspects make it better for the company or developer, only in some cases it makes it easier for the user in my opinion. Some arguments against it are:

1 - Not everyone has or wants fast access to the internet all the time.

2 - I try to prevent access of most of the apps to the internet. I don't want companies to access my data or even metadata of my usage.

3 - sure, but it doesn't make it better for the user.

4 - Also supporting different screen sizes and interaction types (touch or mouse) can be a big part of the work.

The most important part for a user is if he/she is only using the app rarely or once. Not having to install it will make the difference between using it or not. However with the app stores most OS's feature today this can change pretty soon and be equally simple.

I might be old school on this, but i resent subscription based apps. For applications that do not need to change, deliver no additional service or aren't absolutely vital for me i will never subscribe. And browser based app's are at the core of this unfortunate development. But that's gone very far from the original topic :-)