In my instructions under "Overall Architecture" it says:
"Additionally, the program must be able to work in a non-networked mode. In this mode, the database and user interface run in the same VM and no networking is performed. The user must be able to select the operating mode, although it is acceptable that the program stay in one mode once it has started up."
So - my instructions at least - say that you have to code it both ways, with one passing the networking (sockets or RMI) altogether. This makes sense in the real world also, as someone local shouldn't have to go through the overhead of networking for a local client.
Sounds like a good place for overloaded methods...
[This message has been edited by Paul Smiley (edited December 29, 2000).]