We are starting a new project and I'm trying to decide which of the Wpf-esque develop/deploy strategies we should go with. In our case we are looking at quite a complex business app that will be used by 100s (not 1000s) of people, So I'm leaning towards a click-once app. My boss likes the idea of a Silverlight app as it means easier deployment. So which way should we jump?
The answer is, of course, "it depends". So what are the pros and cons of each?
I'll start the ball rolling (Edit Added in some answers from artur carvalho):
Silverlight
- Pros
Cross browser
Doesn't require full framework.
Better control of users. If your users login, you dont have to worry with activation keys or similar stuff.
It works on Windows and Mac.
You can update all your users apps easily.
- Cons
Can't interact with client's file system etc
Has less functionality compared with full Wpf (anyone got a good resource that documents differences?)
Single window
Single version
Wpf Web App (xbap)
- Pros
Full Wpf.
- Cons
Single browser
Requires full framework
Can't interact with client's file system etc
Single window
Single version
Wpf Click once
- Pros
Full Wpf
Can work offline
Multiple windows
Multiple versions (con?)
Better access to low level parts of the computer
No downtime for maintenance
- Cons
Single browser
Requires full framework
Slightly(?) harder to install.