Other Ideas

Some other options might also prove useful with smart client applications. For example, you can employ HTTPS, which requires additional authentication, and you might be interested in exploring the Windows XP Intelligent Background Transfer Service.

It is too early to ascertain how smart client technology will shape the future of networking applications, but it is a good strategy to work toward melding Internet technologies with Windows technologies. The Internet clearly offers superlative performance when it comes to distribution and accessibility, and Windows offers a rich client experience. If Microsoft can merge Web development and Windows development technologies, consumers will have the best of both worlds. If Microsoft is feeling especially generous, it could combine these technologies in such a way as to allow them to be ported to other platforms.