Web based applications, as opposed to client/server, are primarily server based; almost all the code for the application resides on the server. There is usually no client component and users access the application through a web browser. Web based applications have evolved greatly in the last few years from simple websites to full fledged enterprise business systems and business portals integrating with databases, mail systems and a host of third party softwares.

Web based applications enjoy a number of advantages over the more traditional client/server technology:

	Easier and faster to develop
	Easier to deploy since all the code resides on the server
	machine. No individual client machine installations are required.
	Easier to support and upgrade since no individual client
	machine upgradations are required.

Microsoft .NET and Java2 EE are the more dominant technology frameworks for developing enterprise web based applications.