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SuperOffice - Windows vs. Web
SuperOffice is available both as a windows client and as a web client. It is
possible to run the two on the same installation, and the same user can also use
either one.
Choosing
the right approach, particularly for people out on the road, is important, and
this document outlines the major advantages and drawbacks of either approach.
SuperOffice Web client is sometimes used for in-house users. However, in most
cases, the Web client is deployed in companies with remote users, either in home
offices, or, people that spend most or all of their time on the road.
For
People on the road, the Windows client of SuperOffice provides full mobility
thought the SuperOffice Travel functionality. This is available though Standard
travel, and remote travel.
Below
are the key elements in considering if a web client, or SuperOffice travel
client should be used.
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Windows |
Web |
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Availability |
System is always available as long as the laptop is, so work can be done
as long as the battery is up. |
System is available only when you have a connection to the internet |
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Speed |
Creation and uploads of Documents, emails, creating selections and doing
searches are done on a database located on the local machine, i.e things
move FAST. (You can run MSDE as a local db for example) |
Documents, emails, searches etc are done on a remote database over the
internet. Speed can of course vary. If larger documents are the often
handled (those with graphic elements for example), you will find that
users have to be patient. Also, while the pipe in to the server is fast,
it is of course the entire pipe out to the user that affects load speed;
It is of little help to have a T3 on the server and a Cable modem on the
laptop, if a segment in between on that pipe moves at 30 kb/s. |
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Security |
Database and documents created and residing locally. If a user has been
out in the field for 3 weeks, without having done a remote synch, and
the laptop is stolen/lost/damaged beyond repair: the consequence should
be self-explanatory. |
Database and Documents resides in one central location. Accessed from
any computer. No risk of data loss beyond what risk is inherent on the
server itself. |
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Troubleshooting |
Problems can arise on the local machine, and troubleshooting will then
have to be done on a user by user basis. |
Since program and database resides on web server, troubleshooting is
done centrally |
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Infrastructure
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SuperOffice Windows requires: Win200x server/Netware Server (+10 users)
and MS/Oracle/Sybase SQL or similar, and VPN host for synchronization
with remote users. Synchronization is done via zip log files, that are
placed in a 'holding area' of the SuperOffice archive. This archive can
be placed on the outside of a firewall as seen from the Database server,
if security policies dictates such. |
Requires same as above, but given that it is a web application, also MS
IIS, and access over web to server; Security is set using ISS, with the
implications that that has. |
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Real time |
Information is up to date only to the extent that the travel user
performs synchronizations from the field at whatever intervals are
possible, or in accordance with company policy. |
All information is in realtime. |
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