It was another week of working on scripting tools. I am basically ready to release the formObjects suite for generating CGI scripts in Frontier. I was planning on including the diskBrowser CGI with the release. At the last minute, however, I began thinking about security concerns. Since the diskBrowser provides access to an entire system, not just files in the same directory as the web server software, it poses a security risk that people might not be prepared for.

As a result, I figured that I should stop and reconsider how to release the script. Possibilities include releasing a "crippled" version that will only allow navigation within servers' directory, or releasing a "full" version with very strong wording about security risks and the fact that I and ES Designs are not responsible for any losses, damages, etc. caused by using the script. It is too bad that we have to worry about these things, but the risk is there.

The scripts for using Analog to analyze web server log files are also close to release. I still need to do some interface design, but the guts are ready. The scripts are built in part on the formObjects suite, so they can't be released until it is.

On the data collection front, I have been giving a bit of though to the ES Designs' model for collecting data remotely and transmitting it via the Internet. One of the problems with the model, as you may know, is that it requires an Internet connection to collect data. We are currently working on developing methods for off line data collection. Another problem is that it is not a workable model for automatic data collection. To really do automatic data collection, you need to turn the model around, and put the server into the field. An example of this is The REINAS Project at UC Santa Cruz. Look for a future discussion on this topic.

Our collaboration with EIMS*EDAW is moving forward. We have received verbal approval to begin an evaluation of the data handling procedures as a precursor to setting up a cradle to grave data handling system for an international consulting firm. This evaluation should begin in mid March.

On a personal note, I am pleased to mention that Dr. Ken Clifton had an article published in last weeks issue of Science Magazine on synchronous spawning in coral reef algae. There is an interview with Ken on the importance of this work at REEFNET

Finally, midweek I added a number of new sites on the Links Elsewhere page. These include a search engine for the Library of Congress, and a number of sites to get weather information and images. Enjoy.