Determining the correct split between GUI and Web is an objective which will lead to an improved Intranet application. This, in fact, was part of the original thrust of Java . As a programming language, Java can provide additional functionality to Web Browser interface. Typical enhancements include field level validation of multiple entries without having to reconnect to the server application as data is being entered. JIT is a true form of aplication publishing.
Applets are fashioned and optimized for the particular browser, platform and operating system.
There is a limit as to how far we can extend this technology. One of the original objectives of Intranet applications was to introduce a thin client. If extentive Java applets are downloaded all the time, we would have a bloated client. There might also be a peformance hit because of the increased network traffic and increased time required time to complete the downloading of a Web page. There are two other aspects to consider.