Read local database using java-applet - I guess it's possible, but how do I start?

Hello,

I would like to access a local database (the personal address-book to be more specific) from an intranet-application.

Apart from access to the notes-database, what do I need to achieve this using - as I suppose will be necessary - a java-applet ?

Does the client have to be open when trying to read my local database (I suppose so) ? Any hints on the code I will have to use ?

Are there any reasons (security-issues that I’ve overlooked for instance) why I better wouldn’t do this

Thx in advance,

Philippe