[OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Staff client software vs. web-based interface

[Lazar, Alexey Vladimirovich]

On Sep 20, 2012, at 10:33 , Thomas Berezansky wrote:

> The majority of the benefit to an actual client compared to a web based interface is in printing. Web browsers don't allow web pages to control the printer. Beyond that we get our own menus and toolbars, for example.

CSS styles for print offer pretty good control over print output. This presumes that the screen styles and HTML are structured with print output as a consideration. Last time I really worked with this was probably half a decade ago or so, but at that time I was able to generate custom headers for print output, control font display, exclude page sections from printing and even print out full URL link text for links using at that time draft implementations of CSS 3. Is that what you meant by controlling the printer? Otherwise there is always the option of generating PDF output.

Besides what Thomas mentioned, are there any features that are possible with a client, but impossible though an admin website in a regular web browser?

Alexey

> 
> 
> Quoting "Lazar, Alexey Vladimirovich" <alexey.lazar at mnsu.edu>:
> 
>> Hello. I was browsing the http://evergreen-ils.org/downloads.php page and some linked areas, looking at all the different staff clients that are available and not available, and it got me thinking...
>> 
>> Based on the fact that the Evergreen project releases come with the staff client only for Windows, does that make Evergreen Windows-only software? I see that there are some instructions for Mac and Linux on the downloads page in various states of freshness. I also see that Sitka provides pre-built clients, which is great, thanks. In terms of answering prospective customer questions, I think my answer is Windows-only, right?
>> 
>> What is the reason for lack of "official" releases of staff client software for Mac OS (and Linux)?  Is it strategy, because there is no need, or like with some other things, not enough volunteers?
>> 
>> I was also curious if anyone could outline for me some benefits of using staff client software vs. a web-based administrative interface. I can easily think of some disadvantages, like lack of cross-platform compatibility, maintenance overhead, additional dependencies, but I'm guessing there are some advantages as well?
>> 
>> Thanks.
>> 
>> Alexey Lazar
>> PALS
>> Information System Developer and Integrator
>> 507-389-2907
>> http://www.mnpals.org/
>> 
>> 
> 
> 


Alexey Lazar
PALS
Information System Developer and Integrator
507-389-2907
http://www.mnpals.org/