Anyone who wants to provide a mobile application for their customers or users today is quickly faced with a fundamental decision: native app or web app? Should the application be downloaded in the traditional way from the App Store (Apple/Google) or be available as a website optimized for mobile use?
Of course, both variants have their raison d’être and their specific strengths. But in the vast majority of cases – especially in the event sector – the Progressive Web App (PWA) offers clear advantages. colada recognized this early on and has been using this technology for years. With consistently positive experiences.
Native app vs. PWA – what are the differences?
Native apps are programmed specifically for an operating system such as iOS or Android and distributed via the respective app stores. This provides flexibility in the use of local device functions, but also has many disadvantages:
- High development costs (separate apps for iOS, Android and possibly web)
- Long release cycles due to app store testing processes
- Higher development and maintenance costs
- Dependence on Apple/Google
On the other hand, there is the PWA – a web app that behaves like a native app but runs directly in the browser or can be saved as an icon on the home screen. Thanks to modern technologies, PWAs can now do almost everything that was previously reserved for native apps: offline capability, push notifications, camera access, scanning, messaging and more.
The three decisive advantages of a PWA
- No dependence on the App Store
Updates can be published at any time and independently of test processes. The application is simply used via the browser or installed directly the first time it is called up. - More efficient development
No additional programming languages or infrastructure are required. One code base for all platforms saves time, money and reduces maintenance work. - Consistent user experience
A single platform for all users – whether iOS, Android or desktop. No duplicate versions, no inconsistent functions.
Why colada is fully committed to PWA
colada made a conscious decision years ago to implement mobile applications exclusively as PWAs – especially in the sensitive event sector. Looking back, this was the right decision:
- Ticket scanning in the browser? No problem.
Functions such as scanning admission tickets now run with high performance and stability in the browser – a native app is simply no longer necessary. - No app download necessary – to the delight of guests.
Nobody wants to “install a new app for everything” these days. PWAs start simply via a link, without any hurdles.
PWA in use at colada – concrete application examples
colada uses PWAs in numerous event setups where flexibility, reliability and user-friendliness are paramount:
- Offline availability of event content
Guests receive important information such as conference agendas, matchmaking profiles or emergency contacts – even if they do not have an internet connection. - Travel information on the road – even without a network
Where is the vehicle parked at the airport? When does the next program item start? All this can also be called up offline via the PWA – a real added value for guests. - Check-in with colada.assistant – even in the event of an internet outage
Guests are reliably registered – even if there is temporarily no connection on site. The data is synchronized as soon as the network is available again.
Conclusion: PWAs are the mobile future – colada is ready
Anyone looking for a powerful, user-friendly and economically viable solution for mobile applications can hardly avoid progressive web apps. The technology has long been established – and colada has been proving for years that even complex and critical applications work excellently with PWAs.
Whether for events, check-ins or travel planning – with colada and PWA you are on the safe side.