'Newb' deployment question

[modfather]

Can someone suggest the proper/best method for deploying a VB.NET/SQL Server 2000 to 50+ users? I have an application that needs to be accessible to 50+ users, and don't know the best method for deployment. My users are in several different physical locations, all on a VPN and all are internal users. Some questions:

1. Do I package my application and deliver it to all of my users, having them run the .msi or setup file? Obviously, that would result in a fat client, and anytime an upgrade has to be delivered, it has to be deployed to every user.

2. Do I just install the application to a server and have everyone run it from there? That helps with the upgrades and maintenance issues, but was wondering how that would impact performance.

This application is one that's already in development that I'm inheriting soon. If someone has some suggested reading or suggestions they can post here, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks.
Steve

 

[sunaj]

I use 2) for most of my applications. The program will not run on the server just because the executable is located there. The program will run on the client even though it was started from a network drive. There is of course a slight overhead in network traffic as the executable is transfered across the network every time it is started, but that should not be significant...

An then there is the no touch deployment, which I've only looked into, not used, but it could definitly be a good alternative (if you don't use any COM components).

Sunaj
'The gap between theory and practice is not as wide in theory as it is in practice'

 

[modfather]

sunaj,

Thanks for the opinion. A couple more questions, if you don't mind:

1. What requirements are there for the workstations that run this application? Do they require the .NET Framework? Is that all?

2. Any other requirements to set this up?

3. What's the "no touch" deployment? I don't think I've heard of it...

Thanks and any other suggestions/recommendations would be fantastic help.

Steve

 

[sunaj]

Hi agian,

1) yes. yes, if the application is pure .net.

2) no.

3) See

http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/us...tml/vbtchno-touchdeploymentinnetframework.asp

Sunaj
'The gap between theory and practice is not as wide in theory as it is in practice'

 

[jaysun2003]

sunaj i hope u dont mind...

I need u to tell me in plain simple english, how I can provide and install an msi on to a client machine and grant them elevated privelages. I have created and been able to install the app once i login in as admin and it all works fine. When I log off and log back in as user it just doesnt start the appication. I know a little bit about orca and msi's, i also found this link which tells me to add new reg keys which I have done, but no luck .....pls email me

jay