Anyone can teach me what's the difference between ASP.NET's Web Application and ASP.NET's Web Services? I get these options when I start up my Visual Studio.NET 2003, a C# Project, and these two options... What's the diff?

web application is a normal dynamic web pages. a web-based application.
web services is like a set of functions u publish on the web server and allowing public/private use.
it should be like dat gua for a brief description, correct me if im wrong

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_services

microsoft has a nice graphical explanatino on web service in flash
http://www.microsoft.com/net/basics/webservicesoverview.asp

think of web application as the front end and the webservices as the function or the back end...

So when will I know whether I need Web Service or not? Can someone give me an example?

What kind application u are trying to develop?

Web Application for branches in Indonesia, Myanmar, Johor, Penang, Singapore linked via VPN to HQ in Selangor or maybe place a server in Cyberjaya for shared use.

Do I need a web-services then? If so, what kind?

Hmm unless your application is going to be talking to different servers with different software/data structures i don't think you need to use a web service.

I agree with silverhawk. From what I read from ur post, I think u only need web application.

Actually, if you are writing a web application/web service app. You do not need VPN but only port HTTP (that is the whole purpose. Or else you might as well write a normal network programs which call database directly) . But I believe you will have hard time configuring your IE or browser security setting for each and everyone of it if you are writing web application.


For web service. I believe it will provide more flexibility IMHO. But there are some learning curve, depend on your know-how.

Identify all the shared functions among all the branches. Make it all to be web services.

then, you will have the options to call all these function either through web page, web service consuming program (windows application) or web application.

For each branches, they can even have their customized user interface but common functions to certain business process. (if required that is. or else write once deploy any)

Anyway, it could be "gold plating" if you overestimate your needs and use my advice on web service.

Remember, always keep thing simple is always better.