Zero Footprint Applications

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Zero Footprint Applications (ZFAs, also called Zero Footprint Clients or Zero Footprint Software) refers to computer applications which do not require end users to install any software. Examples include most web based applications such as Webmail. The term is often used for a new generation of mobile device applications which run entirely embedded within the existing application framework of the device, such as a web browser, Java (programming language) or a combination of the two.


[edit] Drivers for Zero Footprint Application adoption

Zero Footprint Applications provide advantages for both the application service provider and the end users. End users mostly benefit from better accessibility to the application and ease of use. Application providers can control the user interface, for example, for branding purposes, and can control software updates from the network. Another major driver of Zero Footprint Applications are corporate and Government environments, where end users are often prohibited from installing any applications on their PCs or Laptops. In such environments, the deployment of Zero Footprint applications is often much simpler compared to traditional applications which require PC installation because the former can be released immediately while the latter typically requires certification and security reviews. Zero Footprint applications are not free of security concerns, though such concerns are typically much smaller and easier to handle compared to traditional applications.


[edit] Disadvantages of Zero Footprint Applications

The main disadvantages are limitations in performance and restricted access to low-level resources. Zero Footprint Applications therefore are not well suited for certain specialized applications. Also, Zero Footprint Applications typically require an on-line Internet connection to be available at all times. Even though technology exists to allow such applications to be started once and then continue to be usable even if Internet connection is lost, most applications do not provide this property.

[edit] See also