Option 2 - Cross-Platform/Cross-Browser Web Application:

Cost: Approx: $200,000 - 250,000
Time: 3-4 months development/implementation process

This option would require the development of a web application that works in all the 4.x Web browsers (except IE 4.5/Mac). The guts of the web application would be driven by JavaScript accessing the DOM, with the UI being drawn by HTML (web pages) and DHTML. The meta-info tool will reside in a pop-up window from the user's browser of choice, instigated by the end user clicking a "bookmarklet" which can reside in the Personal Toolbar, an HTML-based email, a Flash movie, or any HTTP-enabled client with Internet access.

Development Costs:

Item	Rough Estimate/Number of Hours
JavaScript Programmer(s)	400-550
Database Developer	10-20
Interface Designer	150-200
HTML Designer	50-80
User testing	30-50

Associated Costs:

Item	Documentation	Cost
Development platform (IE 4.x/5.x and Netscape 4.x)	Online	Free
Commercial Software Publisher (Class 3) Digital ID (for Explorer)	Online	$400 a year
Commercial Software Publisher (Class 3) Digital ID (for Netscape)	Online	$400 a year

Development Time: The hours estimated above do not include project management and administration. Most of the time is attributed to programming and testing the JavaScript functionality of the meta-info tool. This work will proceed simultaneously with the HTML GUI implementation. Also a significant part of the work will be the development and fine-tuning the user interface.

Development time for this option can vary depending on the robustness of the feature set as described in the functional requirements document.

Note: This option allows for instantaneous software updates, as the web application is loaded remotely over an Internet connection every time the user uses it. There is no software installation. Bug fixes and security fixes are also instantaneous.

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