title: Best Practice: Direct SQL Access vs. Web Service
body: <p><strong>With respect to an application that has both a web and desktop client version:</strong></p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>What is the best practice for the desktop client which needs access to a SQL Server?  </li>
  <li>What are the benefits of connecting to the database from the application vs using a web service?  </li>
  <li>Which one provides better security?</li>
  <li>What type of scope would call for one vs the other (enterprise intranet vs. web app, etc)</li>
  <li>Are there any other considerations that are necessary when choosing on platform?</li>
  </ol>