Why .NET?
The Microsoft .NET application framework is fast
Applications written in .NET should run significantly better than J2EE applications, which are forced to execute code through an additional Virtual Machine (VM) layer making the java applications, run slower than .NET assemblies do.
Microsoft .NET provides an integrated development environment (IDE) that integrates easily and persistently with the most prevalent desktop applications
The NET framework includes the most widely accepted integrated development environment, and one, which naturally integrates with rich user interfaces. The natural integration between .NET and the Windows or ASP.NET desktop, results in applications regarded as more user-friendly when compared to applications developed in any other platforms. As a natural extension of the Windows environment, NET also makes it possible to implement rich user interfaces into desktop applications and supports ASP.NET, Windows client, and Rich Client interfaces.
.NET isolates user account control from riskier security threats posed by web scripts, internet application downloads and email attachments
User accounts is an oft-used method for isolating users and providing access control in to application, data, and services. This method made perfect sense when all code was provided and installed from known sources such as physical media or corporate servers. The increasing reliance on Web scripts, Internet application downloads, and e-mail attachments, suggests a need for more control over application behavior. Security components in .NET 2.0/3.0 framework help greatly reduce the amount of code necessary to make new applications secure. Providing good security is challenging, and it often makes better sense to leverage the code provided by Microsoft and other security vendors.
.NET applications are easy to deploy
.NET overcomes the challenges faced with traditional Windows installations that frequently requiring several files, registry settings, and shortcuts to develop and maintain for software installation.
.NET components are not referenced in the registry. In fact, installing most .NET-based applications will require no more than copying the files to a directory, and uninstalling an application will be as easy as deleting those same files.
Never let persistent enterprise application integration be your nightmare
.NET is easier to integrate with external applications because it is built around Web services. Since integration with external systems and applications is often expensive, brittle, and expensive, .NET framework’s extensible architecture helps in reducing the cost of ownership.
.NET supports multiple platforms and multiple development tools
Once developed, a managed .NET application can execute on any platform that supports the .NET common language runtime. Today those platforms represent the largest share of desktops and servers in the market.
Equally important is .NET support for any IDE supporting the Microsoft Intermediate Language, which includes ASNA Visual RPG as well as versions of COBOL.
.NET includes methods for interoperability
Microsoft .NET is ubiquitous and extensible allowing for the creation of an unparalleled number of libraries, which have already been created, and the 2.0/3.0 Framework enables interoperability between new code and existing libraries.
Cost effective support and management service
A user-friendly management system provided by .NET framework, with the familiar and most often preferred Windows interface, makes enterprise server management easy and often does not require expensive technical skills. J2EE often requires highly focused skills in UNIX and third party application servers.
Remember too, that Windows servers supporting .NET include standard application servers, once again lowering the cost to deploy, support, and maintain.
Deploying and managing mobile applications is standard
.NET integrates support for standards such as HDML and WML mean that applications built on the .NET can target mobile architectures and infrastructure.
The .NET advantages continues long after application development is finished
Concurrent with .NET Framework 2.0 and the latest version of SQL, Windows on Intel servers deliver compelling value when compared to UNIX platforms often used for J2EE deployment and TCO studies prove over and over again that Microsoft .NET has taken a significant lead when compared to J2EE.
Most IT environments include Windows servers and desktops with development teams familiar with these platforms. Organizations with RPG, C, C++, and COBOL programmers often already have some familiarity with the Windows development environment allowing them to become more productive in a shorter period and at a lower cost than turning everyone into a Java developer.
A second important advantage for .NET over J2EE is anywhere Windows-based server infrastructure and related development and deployment skills are already in place. An organization with skilled BASIC, C, C++, and COBOL programmers already in place, that is already familiar with the Windows development environment, will get much further much faster and at much lower cost using .NET than by trying to turn everyone into Java programmers.