When planning a mobile application for employees or customers, a fundamental question arises: separate native apps for iOS and Android, or a solution based on web technologies. Progressive web apps are a middle way. They are developed once with HTML, CSS and JavaScript, run in the browser and can still be installed like an app, without going through an app store. Updates are distributed via the web server and do not have to be installed individually.
How does a PWA work?
Three technical building blocks turn a website into a PWA:
- HTTPS: PWAs require an encrypted connection.
- Web app manifest: a file with name, icon, colors and display mode. It allows the browser to install the application and open it in its own window without an address bar.
- Service worker: a script that mediates between the application and the network. It caches content and thus enables offline use, background synchronization and push notifications.
The range of functions depends on the browser and operating system. On Apple devices, some functions were restricted for a long time or were added later. Access to hardware such as Bluetooth, NFC or certain sensors is limited compared with native apps and differs by platform.
Typical examples
- Field service employees record work reports offline, and the data is synchronized when a connection is available.
- An internal portal or a time tracking system runs on smartphones and PCs without distribution via app stores.
- A customer portal informs users about status changes via notifications.
- A product catalog is available to sales even without network coverage at a customer appointment.
What companies should keep in mind
- Clarify in advance which device functions are needed and whether they are available on all target platforms.
- Plan the offline logic carefully, especially conflicts when several people change the same data offline.
- Protect data in the device's browser storage and secure sign-in, for example via single sign-on.
- Define an update strategy so that cached versions do not become outdated.
- Test on all relevant devices and browsers.
How it differs
A responsive website only adapts its layout to the screen size, but it cannot be installed and usually does not work offline. A native app uses the development tools of the respective platform, has comprehensive hardware access and is distributed via app stores or device management such as Microsoft Intune. Like other applications, a PWA usually obtains its data via an API.
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