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.
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.
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.
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