| Get expert, pragmatic guidance on how to design and build smart client solutions that combine the benefits of traditional, rich-client applications with the manageability of thin clients. Software architects and developers will learn how to evaluate whether a smart client solution is appropriate for their client architecture, and get practical recommendations on how to deal with the design and technical challenges associated with building smart clients solutions using MicrosoftЮ WindowsЮ Forms technology in the Microsoft .NET Framework. Topics include handling data, connecting to the back end, offline functionality, security features, multithreading, deployment, and performance. PATTERNS & PRACTICES guides are reviewed and approved by Microsoft engineering teams, consultants, partners, and customers—delivering accurate, real-world information that's been technically validated and tested.
Welcome to the Smart Client Architecture and Design Guide. Smart client applications are a powerful alternative to thin client applications. They can provide users with a rich and responsive user interface, the ability to work offline, and a way to take advantage of local hardware and software resources. In addition, they can be designed to run on a broad spectrum of client devices, including desktop PCs, Tablet PCs, and handheld mobile devices such as Pocket PCs and Smartphones. Smart clients give users access to information and remote services within a powerful and intuitive client environment, and are an effective solution for flexible useroriented applications and for increasing user productivity and satisfaction.
Smart client applications can be designed to combine the traditional benefits of a rich client application with the manageability benefits of a thin client application. However, to fully realize the benefits of a smart client application, you need to consider a number of architectural and design issues. This guide describes the architectural and design challenges you will face when designing and implementing a smart client application. It provides guidance on how to overcome these challenges, allowing you realize the benefits of a smart client application in as short a time as possible. |
