Web Application Continuums

Many Web Application technologies are an attempt to bridge the gap between Thin (browser-based) and Thick (desktop-based) clients. As a result, it’s useful to consider where they fall on a continuum between these two deployment and design options.

What is a web application?
A panel (PDF) at the 2002 Usability Professional’s Conference explored what drives design decisions for Web products and developed a continuum that highlighted variations between Web sites and Web applications.

Evolution of the User Interface
Backbase, a provider of Rich Internet Application (RIA) solutions illustrates how traditional Web applications stack up against Mainframes, Desktops, and Client/Server architectures. (Via Functioning Form)