Sending form data via xml

[nkiefer]

I want to put an existing paper form on the internet and attach the data to a sql database. I know I can do this with ASP.net and ADO but I think that ties me into a web browser.

Can I create an XML webservice as a middle tier that allows the user to open an asp.net webform, enter some data and insert the data in the database using the XML webservice? Conversly I want the user to open an asp.net form, enter some criteria and then retrieve data from the database based on the criteria entered in the form.

My reasoning of doing this with the webservice is the hope of allowing the user to do this from his pda or phone.

 

[JontyMC]

Yes you could do this with a webservice, but that would still 'tie you into a web browser'. Hows the user supposed to open the webform for the webservice? Ans: web browser.

What you really need to do is write standards compliant HTML (personally I would use XHTML, as most mobiles recognise this), then create different stylesheets for whatever output device people are using. Identify your main users and find out what browsers they use.

XForms will solve this problem in the future (you may want to look at it now though).

Jon

"I don't regret this, but I both rue and lament it.

 

[nkiefer]

How can I display data from the database using HTML or XHTML?

The form is used in manufacturing production, so I could see the user taking his pda and going over to the production area and entering data in the form then sending the data back to the database.

Do i pretty much have to decide the target, PC, PDA, phone before I start developing?

 

[JontyMC]

Database > ADO > ASP.net > HTML > CSS Stylesheet

All you need to do is create different stylesheet for each output device.

Alternatively, you could create a ASP.Net Mobile Web Application, but thats not something I've ever done.

Jon

"I don't regret this, but I both rue and lament it.

 

[nkiefer]

Ok Thanks for your help.