Internet-based applications solve the important problem of providing access to information and data, without burdening end users with traditional, non-Internet, full-blown software applications that must be installed, and inevitably upgraded. Two prevalent approaches to deploying data visualization applications on the Internet are client-side, and server-side application paradigms. However, client-side and server-side paradigms share a major drawback not present in non-Internet, applications, specifically, degraded performance due to application dependence on connection speed. In addition, each have their own drawbacks, including: client-side Java Applets that limit user's access to their local computer resources (like disk access, and the system clipboard), and server-side applications that lack rich user interface features.

The Java Web Start (JAWS) model adds a third term to the client and server paradigms, called application-side. JAWS bridges the gap between non-Internet software applications and the client-side/server-side paradigms. It provides the power to launch, and upgrade a full-featured application with a single click from the user’s Web browser. It enhances performance, and via a flexible security model, allows users access to their local computers resources (like their disk, and system clipboard), and provides the bountiful, rich, user interface capabilities of the Java2 platform. In short, JAWS provides the benefits of both client-side and server-side paradigms, but without their deficits.

This presentation will cover a comparison of the three major Internet architectural paradigms; client-side, server-side, and application-side, with emphasis on the JAWS application-side architecture. WebMapper, a geographic browse and visualization tool, developed by the NOAA/NCDC Paleoclimatology Branch, will be used as an example. Our transformation of WebMapper from its original client-side, Java Applet architecture to the JAWS model, along with the trials and tribulations of the JAWS development and deployment process, and end user benefits will be discussed.

We anticipate that users will benefit from Webmapper's JAWS metamorphosis and hope to use it as a model for the design/deployment of future Internet-based software systems by the NOAA/NCDC Paleoclimatology Branch.

To launch WebMapper visit: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/paleo/webmapper.html, for Java Web Start information, and demos, visit: http://java.sun.com/products/javawebstart/.