Distributed Database Design and Applications
PCA specializes in the design and development of custom, distributed Internet database
applications on the standard Microsoft SQL Server/.NET Smart Client platform.
Our database design experts translate unique business needs into well-structured database
design/information models with simple-to-use application interfaces and data workflows. There are
a number of different custom database design options available for integrating LAN-based applications such
as
Microsoft Excel
and
Microsoft Access with Internet-based
Microsoft SQL Server
and .NET. PCA's database designers and engineers
will work with you to determine the best, most cost-effective approach to meeting
your business's database design needs.
Custom Smart Client Application Advantages
Microsoft .NET Smart Client applications look and perform just like Microsoft Office/Desktop
applications — but Smart Client applications run over the Internet using web site databases, and enable real-time, secure SQL
Server database sharing. As such, Smart Client applications are ideally suited
to multi-user, business-to-business web data design management needs. Depending upon
the application, custom Smart Client distributed database solutions can be 3 to 10 times
less expensive to design, develop and maintain vs. browser-based applications written in
Java, PHP or ASP. The Microsoft Smart Client Platform consolidates the best features of desktop applications
with the benefits of the website databases. The result is unparalleled ease of use
and power at an affordable price.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Browser-based
Application |
Smart Client Application |
|
Internet Access |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Target Audience |
Consumers |
Businesses |
|
Usability |
Low-Med |
High |
|
Performance |
Slow |
Fast |
|
Security |
Low-High |
High |
|
Off-Line Use |
No |
Yes |
|
Development Cost |
High |
Med |
|
Maintenance Cost |
High |
Low |
|
|
|
|
Composite Applications: Smart Client + Web Database + Browser
While .NET Smart Clients have clear advantages in terms of advanced capabilities, ease-of-use, and rapid
development at a reduced cost over browser web site database applications, we recognize that there are
valid reasons (and needs) for browser-based business database applications.
The primary reason: some businesses simply cannot dictate that all End Users install a
desktop Smart-Client Application.
In addition, sometimes a rich, highly-interactive End User experience is less
important than zero-installation and anonymous access or untrusted access.
Under these scenarios, PCA's designers develop "composite applications" that deliver the
capabilities and benefits of both custom
.NET Smart Client applications and browser-based approaches to deliver truly integrated, custom web based
database solutions. The Smart Client
application is used by the business internally to create and maintain database records,
and manage the application administrative functions, and the resulting database records
and reports are made available to customers via the browser interface (ASP.NET) web
site database application. Call our DB Consulting experts today!