Our clients depend on us to dive deep into their business issues, re-imagine processes, elucidate strategies, and be totally transparent about costs. They count on us to build reliable systems using the industry’s most bulletproof software. And they fully appreciate that we’re practical innovators who only recommend new technologies when we’re certain they can provide long-term value.
Desktop applications |
Web applications |
If your users all are internal employees and have high-speed access to your network, a desktop application may be the best and most cost-effective fit. |
When you have customers, vendors, and employees outside of your own network who need access to your database, a web application is definitely the way to go. |
| Access + SQL Server Desktop Application | ASP.NET + SQL Server Web Application |
| Less expensive initial development (can be half or less than web development) | More expensive initial development (can be 2x-3x Access development) |
| Users must have Windows and Access (or Access Runtime) installed | Users may use any modern PC or tablet browser, or even a phone if Responsive design is included |
| Users must be on a Windows PC inside a LAN, or using a very fast internet connection if the database is hosted elsewhere | Users may be anywhere with a decent internet connection |
| Application can be used on a PC with no internet connection if database is hosted locally | Users must have an internet connection |
| Access application code will not be reusable if app is rebuilt for the web later | Modern web technology lends itself to later expansion |
| Multiple permission levels are more difficult to enforce | Multiple permissions and capabilities can be configured by user |
| Lower security, since Access requires a direct connection to the SQL Server database | Much better security, since the user has no direct connection to the SQL Server database |
| Backups must be configured and tested if database is hosted within the company | Backups are automatically provided by data center or cloud service |
| Application is susceptible to problems when Office upgrades occur | Application runs on any modern browser, and is less susceptible to compatibility problems |
| Higher “functional density” – more information can be fit onto one screen, with independent scrolling lists | Lower “functional density” – usually less information per page, requiring more clicking and scrolling to see all the information |
| Zero or lower ongoing costs (depending on Office licensing and database hosting choices) | Ongoing hosting costs for web application and database (usually $30-300/month depending on size and features) |
If you’re still not sure which one to choose, don’t worry. Once we understand what you need to accomplish we can make a recommendation.