[Sussex] Why is a web based solution better than using a client/server approach?

[Brendan Whelan]

Hello,

A general question - Why is a web based solution better than using a client/server approach?

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.

I have though of the following drawbacks to client/server:
  Each PC needs to have the application installed by the supplier or the Hospital's IT department.
  Upgrades need to be done to each PC by the supplier or the IT department.
  More processing power is needed in each PC.
  Proprietary operating systems are expensive and upgrades need to be installed periodically.
  There will be more network traffic hence slowing down the response time.

In favour of web technology:
  Only basic PCs, with Internet Explorer, are needed.
  Should their own PC fail then users can move to another one anywhere on the network
  No special network or cabling is needed. 
  Web technology is advancing more rapidly than client/server.
  Updates are only needed on the central server.

Any suggestions and links to report will be welcomed.

Thanks,

Brendan

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