Thick client (ActiveX?)

[VintageWine]

I want to create an app that downloads to the users computer on first accessing, and then behaves like a windows app, accessing a database via the internet.

Ideally it would be invoked from a url / web page link. I really would like to write the client in Delphi.

Am I describing an ActiveX? Should I be looking at VPNs? Is this a good idea? Are there alternatives?

 

[Punchinello]

I want to do the same thing but this forum does not seem to have the answer.

 

[VintageWine]

I thought Yipee, someone has some advice............

The answer to my question is, Yes, I am describing an Active X.

They are easy to create in Delphi. You can develop a Win32 app and then turn it into an Active X.
Very briefly:
1. Create normal app.
2. Create new ActiveForm (this is another application)
3. Include Main Form of normal app in uses clause of ActiveForm unit.
4. In FormCreate of ActiveForm add code like:

with TMainForm.Create(Self)do begin
Parent:=Self;
Align:=alClient;
BorderStyle:=bsNone;
Visible:=true;
end;


When downloading from the net you get a message saying that this is unauthenticated. To make it authenticated you have to by a certificate for $400.
See

http://www.verisign.com/resources/gd/authenticode/index.html

If you do this and find things interesting, please post back. I haven't yet used it for real.

Have fun
Simon