>>If the customer wants a web app (and most do), then that's the right tool for the job.

Jeff;

I would suggest that a web app is not a tool. What you use to create the app is a tool. In my case I must use our corporate standard, Visual Interdev 6.0, ASP/ADO, etc. This is not the "right tool for the job". West-Wind Connection would be ideal, but I am not allowed to use it even though I gave a horse and pony show to prove my point. Less development time, more features and stability did not interest the corporate gods, as they only make policy and we developers do the work.

>Of course! After all, if the customer wants a screwdriver because he has a nail, who are we to tell him he would be better off with a hammer?

>My point is that "web" is the buzzword now. The common line of thinking is that everything should be web based. As far as I can tell, most of it is just hype - having a web-based app in most case is completly useless because it does not bring any advantage to the situation over a desktop app.

>Of course, that is only my small individual opinion! (I haven't been assimilated yet)

Sylvain;

I am paid by a large corporation to create web applications. Basically, I feel that any serious application should not be done on the web (Intranet or Internet). As I am paid for my work I cannot complain too much but just enough to let everyone know why I feel this way. I have a growing list of problems presented by web based solutions. One minute of down time costs our corporation $10,000. Inaccurate data can cost a supplier a multi million dollar contract. The problems I am talking about are those that are a part of a web based solution using Visual Interdev - ASP, etc. Perhaps the next generation of microsoft tools will resolve all the issues I have mentioned and more.

I will say that web based solutions have a promise of great things - just like the Apple IIe. It could just do so much regardless of it's marketing department.

Not only do we have to look at reliable technology but we have to use the right technology for the intended purpose. Solutions to technology may require super computers, main frames, minis, or pc's. There is no one pill that solves all problems. Well, maybe Asprin would help!

Tom