Smart Clients vs. Browser Apps

Smart Client Capabilities
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Smart Client Capabilities

The Smart Client Platform combines the best capabilities of Desktop Applications with the power and reach of the Internet -- and offer a number of distinct advantages versus traditional Client/Server applications or Browser-based applications.  Smart Client applications are built on the standard Microsoft SQL Server/.Net platform to provide the technology stability you demand.

Desktop Application Experience

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Smart Client applications look-and-feel and perform just like standard Microsoft Office Applications.  MS Outlook is a great example of a Smart Client application: it is installed locally on your PC; it shares data with other applications on your PC, and it relies primarily on the Internet to access and update records (in this case, the "records" are email).

Smart Client solutions offer a hi-fidelity end-user experience by taking full advantage of all that the Microsoft® Windows® platform and the Internet has to offer. 

Utilizes Local PC Resources

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A Smart Client application is always installed on the End Users' PC, which allows the application to fully utilize the hardware and software resources available to that PC.  Local PC resources can include the local CPU, graphics processor, local memory (RAM) and disk storage.  Because application processing is "distributed" to each End Users' PC, Smart Clients require ~100x fewer Server resources (a dual-CPU Server and Standard MS SQL Server license can usually support ALL of your End Users). 

Also, Smart Client applications can work with any local devices that are connected to the PC e.g. telephone, bar-code reader, RFID reader, etc. Smart Client applications also fully utilize the software resources available to that PC, including exchanging data with local Microsoft Office applications.

"Connected"
to a Shared Database

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Smart Clients share a common database  to store the data, the business logic that drives the application features, and manage application security.   As such, Smart Client applications are always part of a larger distributed, networked solution. 

Smart Clients can also connect directly with any data resources or data services available on the Internet e.g. Google Earth, D&B database (any data source that is IP-addressable).

Offline
Capable

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One of the key benefits of Smart Client applications is they can be used whether you are connected to the Internet or not.  When connected, Smart Clients access and update the database in real-time over the Internet.  When disconnected e.g. on a Laptop in the field, Smart Clients allow you to make any changes to the data you wish, and automatically synchronizes your updates the next time you connect to the Internet.

Smart Client applications work exceptionally well, connected or not. For traveling and field-based professionals, being able to work while disconnected is not a "nice to have," it is essential.

Intelligent Installation & Updates

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Smart Client applications are "Shipping & Handling Free."  The Smart Client installation and maintenance (update) process is completely automated.  No I/T support required.  Like a webpage, everyone automatically gets the latest version of the application with most current set of data. 

The PCA Smart Client "Mobilizer" completely automates application installation and updates, so deploying an application to 10 users or 10,000 users is the same: simple and straightforward.  PCA's Smart Client approach solves the traditional headaches and expenses associated with distributing and maintaining business applications.

Look further to understand the Positioning of the Pca Real-Time OnDemand Platform technology and it's Characteristics. Learn about the advantages of the Real-Time, OnDemand Solutions vs Browser.

 

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