Isolated Web Apps: The Future of Secure Web Application Delivery
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, the need for more secure and isolated web applications. Enter the concept of Isolated Web Apps (IWA), a new experimental approach to web app delivery that promises enhanced security and user experience.
Understanding IWA
Isolated Web Apps are a form of web application that are packaged in web bundles, signed by their developers, and distributed to end-users through various methods. Unlike traditional web apps that are hosted on live servers and fetched over HTTPS, IWAs are designed to be more secure by being self-contained and not reliant on live server hosting.
The Collaboration of Giants
Tech giants Google and Microsoft are collaborating on the development of IWAs. Their goal is to create applications that can be delivered differently from the on-server method used for Progressive Web Apps.
Security and Delivery
One of the key features of IWAs is the potential for off-server delivery, which can provide additional security benefits. IWAs can also restrict access to third-party storage by assigning "storage sheds" to the isolated app, further enhancing privacy and security.
Potential Delivery Methods
IWAs can be delivered to users in several ways:
- As a raw signed Web Bundle.
- Packaged into a platform-specific installation format like APK, MSI, or DMG.
- Distributed through an operating system, browser, or third-party app store.
- Installed automatically by enterprise system configuration management infrastructure
The Developer's Role
With the introduction of features like borderless mode for isolated web apps, developers will have more control over the entire window of the app, including title bar and windowing control buttons. This allows for a more integrated and seamless user experience.
Conclusion
Isolated Web Apps represent a significant step forward in the realm of web application security and delivery. By leveraging the strengths of web standard technologies and the expertise of industry leaders, IWAs are poised to redefine our expectations of web apps, offering a more secure, efficient, and user-friendly alternative to traditional web applications.
Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming news about Isolated Web Apps. It is currently unclear about their future, but it is sounding like a promising move forward.
