Microsoft officially unveiled Windows 11 earlier today, and among many exciting announcements, the most notable is the enhanced support for Progressive Web App (PWA) or Web Apps within the new Microsoft Store for apps. This support not only means greater integration across devices such as mobile apps, Chromebooks, and Macs, but also low-cost buildout and upkeep for a comprehensive web app project.
What Has Microsoft Announced?
Microsoft announced on their Windows blog the new Microsoft Store for Windows 11, which includes “support for more app types such as Win32, .NET, and PWAs, as well as support for Android apps from the Amazon Store.” Updated developer tools were also outlined, allowing app development companies like McNair Media to build modern PWAs for clients.
Expanding Web Apps to Mobile Apps, Chromebooks, and Macs
The increased support for web apps in Windows 11 allows for seamless integration with various platforms, including mobile apps on Android and iOS, Chromebooks, and Macs. This cross-platform functionality ensures that a web app developed for Windows 11 will work efficiently on these other devices, providing a consistent user experience.
Low-Cost Buildout and Upkeep
Web apps are typically cheaper to develop and deploy due to their reliance on web coding standards. This cost-effectiveness extends to repackaging web apps for macOS, Android, Linux, and ChromeOS. By approaching a project as a web app, businesses and organizations can achieve the widest possible release at a lower cost. Additionally, having a single code base to update and manage can drive down IT support costs.
Why is Windows 11 Important?
#1: Marketshare
Microsoft’s support for web apps within Windows 11’s software application store is crucial, as it will likely increase the adoption of web app technologies by other platforms. With Microsoft’s Windows holding around 77% of the global desktop market share, deploying a custom application as a web app ensures compatibility not only with Windows but also with macOS, Android, Linux, ChromeOS, and Apple’s Safari on iOS.
#2: Cost
As mentioned earlier, web apps are generally more affordable to develop and deploy, making them an attractive option for businesses and organizations looking for cost-effective solutions. A single code base means that applications can be deployed confidently to 100% of all desktop computers, without worrying about the computing device used by the end user.
What does this mean for you?
If your business or organization is looking to develop either a consumer-facing or internal business application, you can now build that application more cost-effectively while still achieving a robust and commercial-grade application that meets your specific needs. Services provided include web app consulting as well as web app development, ensuring a comprehensive approach to web app projects.
