also: "Pan-Platform", "Platform Independence", "Web Based Application" - A set of terms used to describe software applications and systems that will run on many different platforms, from Windows machines to IBM mainframes, without modification. From a practical standpoint, using currently mature technology, a platform independent application is a Web Based application.

There are two sides to a Platform Independent Program:

1. An application, which is capable of being run on many different server platforms.

         - And -

2. a Browser-based User Interface (BUI), which the application provides.
   

If done well, a platform independent program allows anybody with access to a browser to have access to all the features and functionality of the application, including:

• application configuration and administration,
• security and user administration,
• database administration including backups, imports, and exports,
• all other functions and features of the application.
  

Primarily, Platform Independent Computing is computing without vendor lock-in. But avoidance of vendor lock-in is just one of many advantages gained by moving to platform independent (web based) business applications.

To learn more about platform independent computing, visit the following online resources:

• Platform Independent Computing
  What it is, how it works, its advantages and disadvantages

• Reducing Dependence on Proprietary Systems
  Reduce your shop's Microsoft dependency without changing your religion