Portlet Feasibility Study:A report prepared for the GroupLog Project funded by JISC under the eTools Programme

GroupLog is a project funded by the JISC under the 03/04 call for projects to develop E-Learning Tools for learners and teachers. This is a report on an assessment of the feasibility of developing GroupLog as a WSRP application, carried out by UKOLN in conjunction with CDNTL. Web Services for Remote Portlets (WSRP) is first reviewed as a standard by covering the background information obtained from desk research. The review contains extensive links to portlet-related resources. Development options are then considered. A test platform that was installed to complement the desk-research by providing hands-on experience is then described, together with a sample application illustrating two different ways in which it could be delivered by WSRP. This report concludes that a solution that involves the use of Java-related technology is the most practical option given the current status of the technology. This approach would require a suitable Java platform to be set up and configured. Significant technical knowledge and programming effort would be required. The time and experience required to implement such a solution does not fit within the immediate plans and timing for GroupLog development. The report ends by drawing some general conclusions that can be used to inform any future decisions regarding the delivery of GroupLog using WSRP.