The general Visualization Platform client network architecture is illustrated in Figure 1‑2.

A user submits a request by choosing a link on a web page that specifies an Visualization Platform client URI. As shown in Figure 1‑2, the web or application server receives the URI as an HTTP request and passes the request to the servlet or page engine. The engine invokes Visualization Platform client, interprets the URI, and communicates with the BIRT iHub using the Actuate Information Delivery API (IDAPI). The IDAPI manages the request and returns the results to Visualization Platform client and the servlet or page engine. The web server returns the results to the web browser. Then, the web browser displays the results for the user.

Visualization Platform client manages requests as part of a JSP engine within a web or application server. There is no default user interface for the engine. On a Windows system, Visualization Platform client installation places an Visualization Platform client link on the Start menu.