In the globalised and increasingly interconnected world, it is essential for companies to have a web presence that is accessible from anywhere. One way to increase this presence, as well as the productivity of SMEs, is through the use of information and telecommunication technologies (ICT) to access company information.

For this access to be effective, it is necessary to create web applications that allow employees to easily but securely access the information they need via mobile devices.

The design of web applications must take into account: the information to be stored, the format in which users must access the information, the analysis of the stored data and last but not least, the ability to track the stored documents. Layered application design is an appropriate approach because, although the number of layers depends on the company’s needs, all web applications have the same general 3-layer structure: a front-end, a back-end and a storage system.

By defining the characteristics of these three elements, the number of layers needed and the technologies required to implement the web application can be determined. Subsequently, the information transformation processes necessary for the application to meet the company’s access requirements are designed.

The experience gained from 20 years of teaching courses on computer networks, computer systems, security in computer systems and data processing centres, and courses to companies on designing secure web applications gives our scientists a comprehensive view of the subject.

Applications

Secure Web applications are utilised in various contexts, offering a range of benefits. Here are some examples:

For Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs):

• E-commerce: SMEs can use secure web applications to offer their products to potential customers online.
• Secure Employee Access: These applications enable employees to access company catalogues, ensuring data privacy securely.
• Electronic Invoicing: Web applications facilitate the seamless electronic invoicing process for SMEs.
• Inventory Management: SMEs can efficiently control and manage their stocks using secure web applications.

In Public Administrations:

• Information Provision: Secure web applications serve as platforms to provide e-citizens with relevant information.
• Citizen Participation: These applications enhance citizen engagement and participation in public administration processes.
• Electronic Registration: Public administrations can offer electronic registration services, simplifying information management.
• For Educational Centers (Public and Private):
• Online Courses: Secure web applications allow educational centres to offer online courses, facilitating remote learning.
• Activity Monitoring: These applications enable the monitoring and tracking student activities and progress.
• Continuous Evaluation: Web applications streamline conducting continuous evaluations for educational institutions.