>Alright! Our Programming Team is fairly set on doing a web based up for our new rewrite.
>
>But, we still want to have a pros and cons list against the two.
>
>Does anyone have any reasons why/why not to go web based, or VB based.
>
>Especially if you have reasons to go VB based, let them out (I need to cover all my bases so I can rebute any debate on going VB ;P)
>
>Thanks!
>Jason Janson

Jason;

I believe you should use the right tool for any job. When it comes to types of applications (desktop vs. web) many questions should be asked and answered. A big problem is that management will make a decision which may not be realistic. I would suggest to be successful in creating a web application several things must be considered.

Here is a short list:
1. Security
2. Internet or Intranet
3. Windows/Linux
4. Development tools
5. Development time vs. traditional desktop
6. Features and requirements
7. Human resources – background and abilities
8. Use of ActiveX controls
9. Which Browsers will be supported
10. Which back end will be used

Let us say you go the Microsoft route. Today that consists of Visual Interdev 6.0 and the rest of the Visual Studio 6.0 Suite (VC++, VB and Visual FoxPro). If you go the ASP/ADO route for an application of moderate complexity, you will spend about 40 hours on one form with about 50 data objects. I do not use any DTC’s (design time controls) as I like to have absolute control over position and function, so I code everything by hand.

If you use a product like West Wind Connection, which is Visual FoxPro based, your development time will be reduced dramatically. It should take the average programmer less time to learn VFP and West Wind Connection than any other route. You have access to the West Wind Connection forum to receive help should it be necessary.

With typical ASP, etc. you will find a number of limitations. Using ActiveX controls can be a problem depending upon Browser settings.

My experience is that for an application of any degree of complexity, it will take more time and money to create it as a web based solution. It will have fewer features and less functionality. It will be up to you to discover these finer points as you get into development. Deployment of a web application “can” be easier than a VB application, again depending upon design and requirements. Pointing to a URL in a browser is a simple task to set up a new client. Browsers can be a real problem. For serious applications you will use I.E. and no other. Each version of I.E. will behave differently with the same code. If you have to code for multiple browsers your going to spend a lot more time creating your application.

Additionally, I realized the limitations of ASP as implemented with the current version, about 1 ½ years ago. The new .NET methodology may give great promise for professional web based applications. However, it is not released as a product and when it is it will be a version 1.0, which is never stable. It might be two or even three years before .NET “has both feet on the ground”. Some people are using the Beta 2.0 version and when Visual Studio 7.0 is released we will know more.

So there are many questions that should be answered before jumping into any computer application development. You could always become a .COM company, have no business plan or concept of what you are selling or how to make a profit. If that is the case I think I can see your future.

Trying to get management to understand reality can be difficult. Always have your skills and resume updated and be prepared for the future. Excuse me as I am in Silicon Valley and had been waiting for two years for the .COM bubble to burst.

Another suggestion is to retain the services of a developer familiar with desktop and web development. Have him/her analyze your requirements and offer pros/cons for each approach and an estimate of required man-hours. Be sure to include how many people you have working as developers and skill levels. This information would assist management in making a final decision. It is better to be well informed before venturing off into new directions. The web may or may not be the best solution for your company.

Best of luck.

Tom