Web-based database applications are generally easy to deploy and update and require no installation in the client computer. They are restricted to the tools and functionality that is supported by a standard web browser. Typically, browser-browser applications host their data in a database server that provides the necessary scalability, performance and database-level security.

Well designed browser-based database applications run under any browser and consequently can be deployed to disparate operating systems, from PCs to handheld computers and even to web-enabled cell phones. The asynchronous click-and-refresh communication between the Client application and the Server limit the browser-based approach to application that are suitable to simple forms and linear workflow.

Web Browser Application Scorecard
Number of End Users	Any	IE Browser
Application Usability	Limited	Simple forms and linear workflow
Application Performance	Excellent	Application design dependent
Application Reliability	Excellent	Application design dependent
Data Integrity	Excellent	Application design dependent
Application Security	Excellent	Uses Database server security and Web Server security
Maintenance Burden	Low	Standard database server

Web browser-based database applications are typically less secure than desktop based database applications because the interface is asynchronous which can be exploited by malignant individuals.

The complexity of Web applications security and combined with inherent MS Access database security issues limits the Web based database Application to non critical data.  Intranet (private) applications are inherently much more secure than internet (public facing) web based database applications, simply due to the limited accessibility of the user. More details on Smart Clients vs. websites.