It's difficult to answer your question without revealing important details about the assignment. It's safe to assume that one can use java.net.* library to initiate POST and GET requests to any web component( CGI, servlet) from any
Java class(Does not need to be a servlet). Bear in mind that one of the hard requirements is that we interface the existing CGI-Perl application and observe the system. If it operates as expected, management would consider full
J2EE rewrite. So, a solid Java-CGI bridge looks essential for the problem domain. Where you construct the bridge is your architecture knowledge and skills.
Hope this helps. Enjoy the assigment.
[ July 31, 2003: Message edited by: Levent Gurses ]