What language?

[Tjk]

I'm looking for a way of using an interactive map on my website. Basically each player will control a dot and using either a server-side or applet they can select where they want the dot to move to on the map.

However, I don't want to use Java because it will mean all users having to download the Java dev kit which can be troublesome. Can anyone suggest a language that I could use that would offer this functionality other than Java?

[hyperbole]

If you decide to develop your application in Java, you have to download the development kit, but once you have created the applet, the users won't have to. They can just run the applet from their browsers.

[Nightfire]

I'd say you've either got a choice of java or flash if you want it to move around animated.