This paper discusses a distributed, multi-platform architecture of geographic information system (GIS) suitable for use in a variety of civil and military scenarios. Traditionally, GIS was seen a as a monolithic and platform-dependent application; as such, it was used by rather small group of professionals. With the development of computer hardware and availability of geospatial data in recent years, GIS evolved and adapted to new environments. Greater availability has led to its increased use in multiple areas. What was reserved for small group of professionals in the past, has now become available worldwide, using Internet on personal computers and mobile devices. This paper focuses on architecture specifications that allows distribution of geospatial data and functions to different hardware and software platforms. It does so by discussing the GiNis GIS framework and a GIS-based application for the mitigation of border security threats in Serbia, the Border Security System (BSS). Both were developed by the University of Niš. Other complementary tools that are used with this application are also detailed. The complex structure of armed conflict entails a variety of GIS user needs and profiles. Because of that, the paper will focus on defining roles and possible scenarios from the viewpoint of South East Europe (SEE) border security threats.