Passing data between Client Application and Web Ap

Question

I have a need to create a Web Application that can interact with 3D CAD on an engineers PC. What I was thinking is the [Web Application] would allow them to download a [Windows Service], then use [WCF] on the Server Host, then to the [Web Application]. I would need to pass data back and forth with the ability to fire off some code through the [WCF] to [Windows Service] to [3D CAD]. Is this at all logical? As alternative to [WCF] could [Web Service] be used?

Answer 1

It sounds like you're on the right track. A WCF service or Web Service is the preferred way to handle communication between client and web applications. And yes, you can use a web service if you prefer, as XML is universally understood regardless of environment or platform.