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Smart Client - Benefits
The architecture of choice in medium to large organisations is now Smart Client.
It combines the power and flexibility of rich client applications with the stability
and ease of deployment of browser based applications. The challenge most organisations
face is that of needing full functionality of software with immediacy of access
to data. This is met by Smart Client applications. The benefits include the following:
Workers who collect data at various sites often record this as written notes or
perhaps into a local application such as Word. This data is then re-entered or cut
and pasted back at the office and perhaps batch processed into the central data
store.
By using a Smart Client application the data can be entered directly onto the most
appropriate device for the worker and then updated to the central data store whenever
an internet connection becomes available.
A project Parabola is currently developing allows observers to write notes and enter
data on the performance of sales professionals using Tablet PCs. This data is uploaded
to the central server later when it is used to create PowerPoint slides automatically.
Smart Client applications work well with the ever growing variety of devices available
today. This is true whether the device is a standard PC or laptop, a mobile device
like a tablet PC, PDA or mobile phone or even if the device is bespoke, for example
in point of sale.
The ability Smart Client solutions have to integrate with existing desktop applications
like Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook can create powerful solutions. For example,
by using "smart tagging" in Outlook, an incoming email from a customer regarding
an outstanding order can be cross-referenced to the full details of the order held
in the central database.
Deployment and update of Smart Client software reduces costs considerably compared
to traditional rich client software.
Deployment can be undertaken via a central web server needing very little man power.
More importantly updates can be made automatically, ensuring all users have the
most up to date versions. Ensuring everyone has the correct copy of the software
increases efficiency and therefore reduces costs further.
Smart Client applications can be easily tailored to operate on different types of
computing devices, from desktop PCs to Tablet PCs, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs),
and mobile phones with little or no recoding, so companies get the most from their
development resources.
The development of Smart Client software utilises the .NET Framework which allows
re-usable components. In addition the core server functionality can remain the same
while various local applications can be produced to cater for the different needs
of various departments.
With any software project the willingness of the employees to make good use of the
application determines the value of the investment. If the application is slow,
unwieldy and hard to use then users tend to find other ways to fulfil their tasks.
Because Smart Client software provides a rich and responsive user interface this
problem of rejection by users can be more easily overcome.
The ability to work when not connected to the internet naturally increases the amount
of time a mobile worker can access their systems and also prevents other workers
from being hampered by poor or unreliable internet access.
Data which was previously stored on local devices can be unlocked and shared among
all members of the organisation. Small items of data which no one could be bothered
to re-input into the main system previously can start to show trends and problems
which were unseen previously.
From the workers point of view, their vital data is no longer precariously out of
date. For example, Parabola has been working with a multinational electronics manufacturer
to establish a system which would allow their field salesmen to have up to the minute
pricing - allowing them to calculate attractive deals which will close the sale.