The JavaRank decision support tool and the benefits and challenges of converting an existing desktop application into a distributed collaborative tool

The JavaRank project aimed to apply the principles of an existing decision support tool called DynaRank to the domain of military course of action (COA) analysis and selection. The features of DynaRank were evaluated, and those found to be desirable were implemented in the new tool using Java technology. In the process of creating JavaRank, new features were added, and some of the original features of DynaRank were enhanced. JavaRank was used in a demonstration of COA analysis. As JavaRank development continues, the consideration has been made to convert JavaRank from a single-user desktop application, to a more robust, Web enabled, multi-user system. This paper describes the goals and intents of the JavaRank project and details the current state of the program. The discussion of the current JavaRank application is followed by a study on the conversion of JavaRank into a collaborative tool, including the benefits and challenges of such a conversion as well as proposed distributed architectures.