The Desktop Returns
For many years now, browser based applications have dominated not only the Internet but also internal business applications. This is due to the fact that they are considered easier to deploy, maintain and support than installed 'desktop' applications.
These factors historically reduced costs which has led to the browser dominance we see today. There are disadvantages to this approach however. Browser based applications are network dependent i.e. if the network connection fails, the application fails. Browser based applications also limit the user experience and often reduce productivity as a result. Users can waste significant amounts of time waiting for pages to refresh on a busy browser based application.
Enter the Smart Client...
A 'Smart Client' application bridges the gap between browser applications and installed desktop applications, taking the best features of both and combining them.
'Smart Client' applications utilise the network if it is present but allow the user to continue working should the network fail. Applications that have this capability are not new but they have typically been more difficult to deploy than browser based applications.
Click Once Deployment
With the advent of the .NET Framework 2.0 remote deployment of desktop applications has now become a reality.
Using Click Once deployment users are able to install applications that automatically update themselves with minimal administrative intervention, often by simply clicking a web page hyperlink.
So what are the Benefits?
- Low deployment costs
- Lower development costs
- Lower maintenance costs
- Increased productivity
- Improved usability
- Increased resilience to network failure
Mainline can architect, develop, maintain and update 'Smart Client' applications to help improve your business efficiency and reduce your software related costs.