title: GWT or GXT for new Web Application
body: <p>We are a small software Development company (&lt;10) mainly in custom made Desktop Database applications. We have developed few Web Applications mainly used in VPN for centralized Query and reports with Flex 4.6, Spring, myBatis, Jasper Reports and Firebird. None of these is hosted on Publicly accessed web server but on VPN accessible cluster of 2/3 Load balanced Linux Tomcat servers. </p>
  
  <p>Flex has been donated to Apache and Future development is geared towards (flaconJS) cross compilation to Java script, then a thought came forward "why not consider matured JS spitting Framework like GWT ?". We studied about GWT, GXT, smartGWT, vaadin, ZK. After reading many xxx vs yyy posts we have shortlisted GWT and GXT for our future data intensive web applications which may be hosted on Real world web servers. Considering our prospective client base we are considering to have GWT/similar for front end using REST calls to backend in either PHP or Spring/java depending on nature of project. We are also expecting requirements of Android Mobile applications augmenting already deployed projects.</p>
  
  <p>Many of the POSTs which we have studied are from 2007 - 2012. Since then many things have changed so We feel that fresh opinions be sought before finalizing the decision. Our capabilities are, Java for 8 to 10 years, PHP never, HTML/CSS/JS never, Flex/spring/mybatis 8 to 10 years, RPC most of the time and REST for a recent project, Database applications in delphi > 15 yrs. </p>
  
  <p>Clients Like Desktop Feel, very much fond of grids, modal popup data entry forms, tabbed views, menu navigation, expects use of ENTER even in Browser based forms, likes to preview reports before print/export etc. etc. We have shortlisted GWT/GXT based on these requirements, GXT demo application ticks most of the boxes. BTW we can afford to spend ample time for learning since we are planning for future development projects.</p>
  
  <p>Please help us by sharing experience, suggestions, alternatives etc. etc. Your comments on this subject are valuable to us. We open to any other viable alternative so feel free to suggest it. </p>
  
  <p>Thanks and warm regards.</p>
  
  <p>Raja Patil</p>