access WIA/TWAIN from .NET web application

Question

We are developing C#.NET web application, which MUST have possibility to connect to front-end user's scanner, webcam or sign-pad (http://www.signotec.com/) device and execute their actions. This should be embedded with browser.

AS far as I know it's possible with Java, AIR, Silverlight4 (it's still beta).

What do you prefer it's best solution to achieve that. Front-end users can be limited to use Windows, but it should be browser independent (if there is not any simple cross browser solution, it can also be limited to IE7+)

I just read http://stackoverflow.com/questions/956158/wia-through-web-browser-asp-net and I hope there is something NEW out there ;)

What about Google Gears? I read that they will not continue to develop it :(

Answer 1

Have you looked at ActiveX? I know it's IE-specific, but it might be your only option in the pre-Silverlight4 world.