Web -> Window conversion?

[zen_master]

Hi guys!

i'm currently working on the development of a web application....sorta of a "quote software" just like Dell COmputer Configuration site...

now... my boss told me there will be instances where his sales/distributors won't be able to use the web program due to un-availability of internet access.......therefore...he asked us to develop the offline version of the program which can be used in an offline environment...(windows application)

now.....if we've done everything in the web application...is there a way to convert it (easily) to windows application (VB .NET .exe)?

i realize that it's not possible to run the .aspx project without web service (IIS)......any solution?

thanx!

[johnweidauer]

you can create a localhost version of the site (127.0.0.1), If your site is dynamic enough anyway. Google does this by specifying a port number on their Desktop search application.

[zen_master]

hmm...

that's interesting...

how exactly is the procedure to create the localhost version?

i tried opening the site w/o IIS.....and not working...

[johnweidauer]

well, unfortunatly, there would be some software requirements, IIS 5+, ASP.NET Framework.

If IIS is unavailable, then i am at a loss, i am not that familiar with it, maybe with the Framework installed, you can configure the application to run???

Sorry, i am weak with this answer.

[nemaroller]

You can use Cassini for serving a simple web app to a local client. This way you don't require IIS (which is not found in XP Home for example).

It DOES however require the .Net framework, but you'd obviously package that along with the web app on the CD.

http://www.asp.net/Projects/Cassini/Download/Default.aspx?tabindex=0&tabid=1

[zen_master]

very interesting.....

so, in this sense....i'll let the sales people overseas know that in order to install our program, they need to first install the cassini?

and.....when they execute the installation in the package....the .NET framework will then installed with it?

the other not-so-easy way to resolve this...is probably to re-do the whole project in windows program (VB.NET).....lol....which hopefully won't be that hard..

[nemaroller]

Well, you have to install the .Net framework if it didn't already exist on the client's machine.

Then you'd have to install and start Cassini Web server.

Then you'd install your program.


So you really have 3 major components to install. Additionally, if you tie into a database, you will have to duplicate that as well - MSDE (or SQL Server 2005 Express or Lite) would fit that bill.