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<P>Hello,</P>
<P>A general question - <FONT size=1><FONT size=2>Why is a web based solution
better than using a client/server approach?</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=2>We have an application for use primarily in Hospitals labs but
other users in the Hospital, and possible GPs on the NHSnet, will also want to
access the information. We are very happy with using Linux, Apache, MySQL and
PHP and have shown the approach to be both practical and cost effective. I have
been asked, by a company we work with, how can we convince prospective customers
that the web approach is better than using client/server systems.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=2>I have though of the following drawbacks to
client/server:<BR> Each PC needs to have the application installed by the
supplier or the Hospital's IT department.<BR> Upgrades need to be done to
each PC by the supplier or the IT department.<BR> More processing power is
needed in each PC.<BR> Proprietary operating systems are expensive and
upgrades need to be installed periodically.<BR> There will be more network
traffic hence slowing down the response time.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=2>In favour of web technology:<BR> Only basic PCs, with
Internet Explorer, are needed.<BR> Should their own PC fail then users can
move to another one anywhere on the network<BR> No special network or
cabling is needed. <BR> Web technology is advancing more rapidly than
client/server.<BR> Updates are only needed on the central
server.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=2>Any suggestions and links to report will be welcomed.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=2>Thanks,</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=2>Brendan</FONT></P></FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>