Web App vs Desktop App

Desktop

Access + SQL Server Desktop Application

If your users are all internal employees and have high-speed access to your network, a desktop application may be the best and most cost-effective fit.

Pros

✓Less expensive initial development (can be half or less than web development)
✓Application can be used on a PC with no internet connection if database is hosted locally
✓Higher "functional density" - more information can be fit onto one screen, with independent scrolling lists
✓Zero or lower ongoing costs (depending on Office licensing and database hosting choices)

Cons

✗Users must have Windows and Access (or Access Runtime) installed
✗Users must be on a Windows PC inside a LAN, or using a very fast internet connection if the database is hosted elsewhere
✗Access application code will not be reusable if app is rebuilt for the web later
✗Multiple permission levels are more difficult to enforce
✗Lower security, since Access requires a direct connection to the SQL Server database
✗Backups must be configured and tested if database is hosted within the company
✗Application is susceptible to problems when Office upgrades occur

Web

ASP.NET + SQL Server Web Application

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.

Pros

✓Users may use any modern PC or tablet browser, or even a phone if Responsive design is included
✓Application runs on any modern browser with a decent internet connection, and is less susceptible to compatibility problems.
✓Modern web technology lends itself to later expansion
✓Multiple permissions and capabilities can be configured by user
✓Much better security, since the user has no direct connection to the SQL Server database
✓Backups are automatically provided by data center or cloud service

Cons

✗More expensive initial development (can be 2x-3x Access development)
✗Ongoing hosting costs for web application and database (usually $30-300/month depending on size and features)
✗Users must have an internet connection
✗Lower "functional density" - usually less information per page, requiring more clicking and scrolling to see all the information

Access + SQL Server Desktop Application

ASP.NET + SQL Server Web Application

Web Applications vs Desktop Applications

Still not sure which one to choose?

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