Right: Use tools on the Map Service Publishing toolbar in ArcMap to analyze map characteristics that affect performance and generate a comprehensive list of tips for tuning a map prior to publishing it. Dramatically Better Performance ArcGIS 9.3.1 delivers fast Web applications and improved data sharing ArcGIS 9.3.1, a focused minor release scheduled for the second quarter of 2009, provides a framework for publishing great Web maps, improves data sharing, and enhances support for Java developers. High-Performance Web Mapping This release presents a new option in the authorserve-use workflow; map documents can now be analyzed and then optimized to create faster, higher quality, dynamic map services. As a result, map service and Web application end users will experience dramatically improved online performance including much faster drawing speeds and better-looking maps. At 9.3.1, maps can be fine-tuned for faster performance using the new Map Service Publishing toolbar in ArcMap. The toolbar provides a straightforward set of tools for analyzing and tuning the map, previewing the results, and publishing the optimized map to ArcGIS Server directly from ArcMap. Optimized map services created with the Map Service Publishing toolbar not only draw faster, they have increased antialiasing 10 ArcUser Spring 2009 options for drawing smoother line and text edges. End users will notice improved map quality in optimized map services: feature edges are sharper, labels are more legible, and color transparency is improved. When published from this toolbar, a map service definition (.msd) file becomes the basis for the service and uses a new, faster drawing engine. This optimized service supports many of the commonly used data types including enterprise and file geodatabase, SDC, shapefile, street map, and raster. It supports standard layer symbology including graduated colors and symbols, proportional symbols, and unique values. It also supports the standard Esri labeling engine as well as numerous graphic elements and two-dimensional symbols. Map caching is still recommended for optimal service performance, particularly for basemaps and other layers that don't change frequently. Optimized services can be cached and help reduce the time needed for caching. Optimized services are best suited for dynamic map services where data changes more frequently or real-time data display is required. Both cached and optimized services can be combined to create high-performance Web mapping applications. Better Data Sharing New layer packages make it easy to share data. Bundle layers in a map document and the associated data in a package that can be easily used by others who have either ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Explorer. These files can be shared using file share or e-mail or by publishing these layers through ArcGIS Online Web services. ArcGIS Online capabilities have been extended to allow upload and download of shared layers and data to enable sharing with groups and communities online. Enhanced Support for Java Developers With this release, support for Java developers has been extended. Developers can now change or enhance the behavior of ArcObjects, create their own ArcObjects, and extend ArcGIS Server. Java developers who want to extend the ArcGIS framework in the ArcGIS Desktop/ www.esri.com