Starting New Project - What DB Approach?

My company publishes a Vertical Market Record Keeping Package designed for the Parks and Recreation Industry and we feel it's time to re-write the existing application and would like your comments on best way to proceed.

History:
In 1997 we developed an application using Visual Basic 6 and Btrieve 6.15 as our database. All calls to btrieve database were done by API primitive calls. About 3 years ago we upgraded database to Pervasive PSQL9 Workgroup Edition and continued to use our VB6 Code with the Primitive database calls to our btrieve database. Our product is currently in use at more than 500 installations world-wide.

Most of our installed customer base is on desktop computers running as single user. We do however have some 2,3 and 4 user configurations as well.

Our Current Situation:
Our VB6 code is tired, PSQL9 does not like Vista/Windows 7 UAC and it's time to do a re-write or be out of business in the near future.

Our Options:
1. Rewrite as Multi-User Desktop Application with VB.Net / ADO.Net with either Access Database or SQL Database.

This option permits ease of installation on Single user and small network. We not want to get involved in supporting a SQL Server. Our customers know nothing about servers and their IT dept (if they have one) knows even less. Both Access Database and MS Sql Express might be good fits in this situation.

Am concerned however that Access.mdb file on a shared drive being called from several workstations with ADO.NET SQL calls might be a real turtle. A server would be better suited for multi-user.

2. Rewrite as Web Application with ASP.Net / ADO.Net with SQL Database.

No installation necessary with this approach, runs on Browser and is easy to support and update. Main concerns here are Hosting Costs and program functionality. Screen updates will be considerably slower than desktop applications, little or no ability to directly interface with barcode/badge readers.

3. Rewrite using some other RAD tool and Database Configuration.


Am interested in entering into a discussion with anyone regarding our project and how to approach a solution.

Regards,

Lee

As I think your application is a "Point of Service" application I would suggest that you go for .net / ADO and SQL Server Express with ClickOnce installation on the clients. SQL Express can also be installed by a click once routine so the user does not have to bother with setting the server up. If you have a multiuser scenario, one of the workstations can act as the "Server" that the other clients connects to.

In POS applications it is important to have a rich client as you need to control scanners, card readers, scales etc.

Kind Regards,
Charles
.NET Architect, IASA Member