FSL is developing an advanced prototype system of AWIPS that focuses on improved performance, a distributed data paradigm, and a new API to simplify application integration. The system will run entirely on Linux machines, include a Network Attached Storage device, and boost the network speed to a minimum of 1 Gigabit/second. This architecture is expected to provide a significant performance improvement over the current AWIPS architecture. The new data paradigm will allow frequently accessed data to reside locally and provide users access to less commmonly used data on remote servers. In order to simplify the integration of new applications, the prototype will also feature a new Applications Programmer Interface (API). The API includes a full interactive drawing capability that will be used to replace the existing AWIPS Extension Framework. The design goal is to treat new applications as software "plugins."