Web services and typed datasets

[MrNorth]

I am now the project leader of a .net project that requires both a web and a windows interface. We have the data layer modelled in an oracle db.

When it comes in designing the middle tier I want to make it as webservices (webmethods). That way we can split the application load on different servers (and the architecture becomes more .net oriented). In my basic layout we need about 30 different methods that can handle all the business logic, and for all methods that is selecting anything, I want to use typed dataset. For example the method GetDailyChecks is returning data from 20 tables with sums and stuff.

Is it practically possible to make a webmethod that is returning a typed dataset named DailyChecks? I have only created simple datasets (querying one table only) with the designer, not typed datasets that is joining on multiple tables... How should we proceed when designing typed datasets like this?



Another question to you gurus out there, have you noticed many benefits of putting the middle tier as webservices rather than just using a compiled dll and add a reference to it in the presentation layer?


kind regards
Henrik - taking a leap into architecture and project lead

[MrNorth]

No other architects around?


kind regard
Henrik