Graphic charts may be included for tabular data without custom mainframe programming or applications. Special fonts such as large typefaces may be included for emphasis or use by the visually impaired. Changes can be quickly and easily made if the format is ineffective or if emphasis changes. Many organizations now have dedicated HTML writers who are responsible for external Web site content and appearance, who can also be helpful in interface construction. Another benefit is that the mainframe application code can remain unchanged.
Legacy applications can be hard to modify and customize.
Web-based access provides an opportunity to precisely define presentation styles and content without having any program modification. The ability to have multiple sessions active and provide information to the same page can enable viewing of data relationships in a way that has not been available before. The browser makes an ideal access point for the information. Most personal computers are equipped with either Netscape or Internet Explorer. Traditional full-featured host access clients often occupy tens of megabytes of storage space.