A user can gain access to an information resource simply by clicking its name. The Navigator consults a network server that can list the currently available data sources. The directory server is found at a predefined location. The directory contains the addresses of any other servers in use. The Navigator launches the required viewer and passes it the location of the requested resource.
Users learn about updates to the software as they use the Navigator.
The Navigator keeps track of the viewer applications on the user's workstation. It checks the viewer application software's version information before it is started, and reports when updates become available. The Navigator will download new or updated viewers to the user's workstation automatically, assisting the user in acquiring and maintaining the appropriate software and minimizing support calls. It will also remove the obsolete software. Since the Navigator stores and manages all server network addresses for users, server development and maintenance is transparent to users.