Software to interact w/web programming

cgraz

Ok, not sure how good of a subject line that is to describe my question, but here goes.

I'm curious to know how easy/pricy is it to have software developed that interacts with the web programming. For example:

Instead of having a web-based administrative area, I have a software that the customers can install on their computers to post, modify, delete, and completely control their part web site. It would access the various database tables and retrive information and display it, and also allow the software to interact with the web site over the Internet so that any changes made in the software update the database. It would also have an FTP feature where people can upload images etc.

I obviously know it's been done, but I have no idea how pricy it is and the difficulty level involved. Anybody ever done a project like this? I definately don't intend on doing this myself, but I am curious to know how much more expensive something like that could be and if anybody has done it in the past or worked with a company that does this that they could recommend.

Could this be two seperate steps done by 2 programming teams? For example, the site is programmed using a web programming team, then the software team programs the software to interact. Would they have to work hand-in-hand or could the software be developed later without it really mattering who programmed it and how it was done (assuming all the proper fields are there. Basically would the site have to be programmed or the database set up in a certain way so that software could be developed later, or could I just contact a software company after the site's been programmed and minor [if any] changes would allow them to provide me with software)?

If that made sense to anybody, I appreciate any comments.

Cgraz

bad76

Originally posted by cgraz

Could this be two seperate steps done by 2 programming teams? For example, the site is programmed using a web programming team, then the software team programs the software to interact.

First, I have done a project like this on answering to a client's query. It's a program to send sms, picture, midi, etc.. (not a dialer...). And I'm working too with a Domino server.

I think there are two method:

The client is a dedicated program. The only server-side work is setting-up db files. All other thing are in client software. If you want update the software you have to change all client program.
It's enough only one team. I've done my program with my own hands. The "view" of list of sms are IN the sw (else if the "content" of list are in a common db...). When i've released a new version, all client are be changed.
There are other "general purpose" sw, like IBM Domino, with a little client that store the "view" of db in the server. So if you update the server's files, you update the client. It's a bit more expensive, and may be is better to separate the develop of sw from develop of "view". Or you can get a Domino server.

I hope this help you...