Applications

Web site development has moved away from brochure-ware sites to application based sites. The term brochure-ware site refers to sites that have been transferred from traditional paper marketing materials without really addressing the specific needs of the Web. These sites usually do not provide any additional functionality beyond a marketing handout. The only difference is the medium, paper vs. pixels.

Mindcrossing is an example of a Web-based application. It allows an individual to share his or her bookmarks and links with others. The revenue relies on a syndication model. Sites that want to extend functionality to their users can do so by subscribing to Mindcrossing services. The service is a Web-based application built on a database of categorized Web links. The interface and icons successfully support this model by providing users with an intelligent, effective and easy way to access the links. The Web icons used on the site are traditional to a computer operating system and are readily identifiable. Folders icons are used in to represent a grouping of documents the same way a computer does. Documents are represented by small square icons with the graphic representation of the application that created it. For example a Microsoft Word file contains the familiar letter W.

This site is a simple example of a Web-based application. The massive industrial exchanges and business-to-business sites that have recently been developed, or are under construction, require even more diligence on the part of the Web designer. This is due to the complexity of the user tasks required on the site to complete transactions.

Page location: http://www.mindcrossing.com

" With MindCircles, you can store files and documents that belong to a group in one place, which can be accessed by the people you have invited to join your MindCircle.

A) You can make group collections of folders, files, documents, bookmarks and email addresses that all your MindCircle members can access.

B) You can build forums and start discussions about a specific subject.

C) You can create surveys to gather specific feedback from group members about the documents in your MindCircle.

D) You have control over who can access your MindCircle and the Read/Write edit rights for each member.