A Simple Solution for a Desktop Version of Socialcast

One of the most common questions we get asked here at Socialcast is, “When are you going to release a Desktop version of your application?”

Well, the truth is that we built a web application and that, by its very definition, means that it is designed and engineered to be accessed through a browser. Most web 2.0 applications these days leverage the power of the modern browser (Firefox, IE7, Safari, Opera) and the ability to be accessed anywhere at any time.   

From the Browser to the Desktop–A Simple Solution

Single Site Browsers.

“What’s a Single Site Browser (SSB) anyway?”, you ask?

SSB’s are all about simplicity and convenience. Nowadays most users have multiple tabs open in their browser and flip back and forth. With a SSB you can set up any web application to behave like a desktop application. Each one has its own window, can be easily minimized, complete with Dock icon, standard menu bar, etc. Best of all, you get clear separation from your other web browsing activity. 

Awesome! Now how do I create my first SSB?

You can download Mozilla’s Prism for Windows, Mac (OS X) and Linux.  

For Mac (OS X) users, you can also use Fluid (we use it all the time), which is based on the Safari browser .

Windows users can also try Bubbles, another SSB creator for Windows only.   

Once you have downloaded the SSB creator of your choice the process is quite simple: 

1. Launch the application.

2. Fill in the details. 

Note: In the Icon drop-down menu, the second option is to specify an icon of your choosing. Now, if you fancy nice big, clear Application icons, you can find many of your favorite websites and their icons in this Flickr Group. And if you would like to use the Socialcast icon, grab it right here. 

3. Click the “Create” button and violá, you have a desktop version of your favorite web application. 

4. Repeat. (If so desired for other web apps).  

And that’s it! We hope this helps expose the power and benefits of using SSB’s in your everyday work life.