Client Types
The following Microsoft Dynamics NAV clients interact with the Microsoft Dynamics NAV database through Microsoft Dynamics NAV Server:
Microsoft Dynamics NAV Windows client
Microsoft Dynamics NAV Web client
Of these client types, the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Windows client is the only one that you explicitly install and configure with Microsoft Dynamics NAV Setup.
Note
The term RoleTailored client, which in Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 referred only to the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Windows client, now can designate either the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Windows client or the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Web client.
In addition, the following service types also interact with the Microsoft Dynamics NAV database through Microsoft Dynamics NAV Server:
SOAP web services
OData web services
NAS services
You can configure a server instance for RoleTailored clients, SOAP and OData web services, and NAS connections using either the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Server Administration Tool or Microsoft Dynamics NAV Windows PowerShell Cmdlets.
Microsoft Dynamics NAV Windows client
The Microsoft Dynamics NAV Windows client is an intuitive and versatile Windows application that developers, partners, administrators, and super users can customize to support the job functions of a full range of work roles in an organization.
For each role, the Microsoft Certified Partner or developer creates a customizable Role Center that displays key information required for relevant employees and makes their day-to-day tasks easier to complete. Users run the RoleTailored client to find the information and data entry points that their jobs require.
The Microsoft Dynamics NAV Windows client is installed when you select either the Client Option or the Developer Option in Microsoft Dynamics NAV Setup.
Microsoft Dynamics NAV Web client
The Microsoft Dynamics NAV Web client is an alternative to the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Windows client that enables you to access Microsoft Dynamics NAV data over the Internet. From a web browser, you can view and edit data by using an interface that is similar to the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Windows client. Install the Web Server components to get the software that you need to set up a Microsoft Dynamics NAV Web client. For more information, see Microsoft Dynamics NAV Web Client.
SOAP Web Services
SOAP web services allow full flexibility for building operation-centric services. This includes industry standard interoperability, as well as channel and host plug-ability. For web services that must interoperate with Java or use channels other than HTTP, SOAP services are the only option. Windows Communication Framework (WCF) has supported SOAP services since its initial release in .NET Framework 3.0, and .NET Framework 4 adds additional support and default bindings to make it easier to build SOAP services using WCF. You define and publish Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013 R2 SOAP web services in the RoleTailored client, and manage them from the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Server Administration tool. See SOAP Web Services for further information.
OData Web Services
OData services are recommended for client applications that require a uniform, flexible, general purpose. They are less suited for applications that are primarily method-oriented or in which data operations are constrained to certain prescribed patterns. OData supports Representational State Transfer (REST)-based data services, which enable resources, identified using Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs), and defined in an abstract data model (EDM), to be published and edited by web clients within corporate networks and across the Internet using simple Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) messages. OData services are lightweight, with functionality often referenced directly in the URI. You define and publish Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013 R2 OData web services in the RoleTailored client, and manage them from the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Server Administration tool. See OData Web Services for further information.
NAS Services
NAS services are a middle-tier server component that executes business logic without a user interface or user interaction. NAS services are intended for task scheduling, client offloading, and specialized integration scenarios. NAS services replace the NAV Application Server (NAS) available in earlier versions of Microsoft Dynamics NAV. You manage NAS services from the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Server Administration tool. See Configuring NAS Services for further information.
See Also
Concepts
Product and Architecture Overview
Web Service Alternatives: SOAP and OData
Microsoft Dynamics NAV Server Administration Tool