PCA specializes in the design and development of custom, distributed Internet database applications on the standard Microsoft SQL Server/.NET Smart Client platform. We are expert at translating unique business needs into well-structured database information models with simple-to-use application Interfaces and workflows.  There are a number of different options available for integrating LAN-based applications such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access with Internet-based Microsoft SQL Server and .NET, and PCA will work with you to determine the best, most cost-effective approach to meeting your business needs.

Microsoft Smart Client applications look and perform just like Microsoft Office/Desktop applications — but they run over the Internet, and enable real-time, secure SQL Server database sharing.  As such, Smart Client applications are ideally suited to multi-user, business-to-business data management needs.  Depending upon the application, Smart Client distributed database solutions can be 3 to 10 times less expensive to develop and maintain vs. browser-based applications written in Java, PHP or ASP.   The Microsoft Smart Client Platform consolidates the best features of desktop applications with the benefits of the Internet.  The result is unparalleled ease of use and power at an affordable price. Test-drive a Smart Client application.

		Browser-based Application	Smart Client Application
	Internet Access	Yes	Yes
	Target Audience	Consumers	Businesses
	Usability	Low-Med	High
	Performance	Slow	Fast
	Security	Low-High	High
	Off-Line Use	No	Yes
	Development Cost	High	Med
	Maintenance Cost	High	Low

While Smart Clients have clear advantages in terms of advanced capabilities, ease-of-use, and rapid development at a reduced cost, we recognize that there are valid reasons (and needs) for browser-based business applications.   The primary reason: some businesses simply cannot dictate that all End Users install an application. In addition, sometimes a rich, highly-interactive End User experience is not needed.  

Under these scenarios, PCA develops "composite applications" that deliver the capabilities and benefits of both Smart Client and browser-based approaches.  The Smart Client application is used by the business internally to create and maintain database records, and manage the application administrative functions, and the resulting database records and reports are made available to customers via the browser interface (ASP.NET).