In this presentation, we describe an approach to high performance computing which makes
extensive use of commodity technologies. In particular, we exploit new Web technolgies such
as XML, CORBA and COM based  distributed objects and Java. The use of commodity hardware
(workstation and PC based MPP's) and operating systems (UNIX, Linux and Windows NT) is
relatively well established. We propose extending this strategy to the programming and
runtime environments supporting developers and users of both parallel computers and large
scale distributed systems. We suggest that this will allow one to build systems that combine
the functionality and attractive user environments of modern enterprise systems with
delivery of high performance in those application components that need it. Critical to our
strategy is the observation that HPCC applications are very complex but typically only
require high performance in parts of the problem. These parts are dominant when measured in
terms of compute cycles or data-points but often a modest part of the problem if measured in
terms of lines of code or other measures of implementation effort. Thus rather than building
such systems heroically from scratch, we suggest starting with a modest performance but user
friendly system and then selectively enhancing performance when needed. 
We call our approach the Pragmatic Object Web as we suggest using each of the four major
distributed object models in plug and play fashion. We describe examples from NPAC research
and development. This includes JWORB -- a Java Server that supports simultaneously all four
object models and WebFlow which is a visual interface to the proposed multi tier HPCC
environment using Globus at the backend. We describe the implications for hardware systems
supporting both backend supercomputing and a seamless gateway to them.
Above we discuss the coarse grain structure of applications and their support. We also
describe the broad use of Java in large scale computation including coding with it as a
parallel or sequential programming language. Here the Java Grande forum is leading community
activities to enhance Java so that it can form the "best possible Grande application
development environment".