I have a request to implement iGoogle like UI features, specifically, the drag/drop module boxes, and configurable elements for each module box. Currently, I have existing module box with all the forms and elements (backend support for them too). But they are not drag and droppable, and not configurable. 

My questions are:

1. Do I need backend engineering involved in this implementation? my understanding is: it's pretty much front end UI work and backend already provided all the form elements, backend DB, etc. for this. But my only concern is: how can the system save the user's configuration when they login the next time? Do I need backend engineering's help for this? related DB setup, java class files, etc? 

2. is there any jquery UI API/plugin I can take advantage of so that I don't have to do everything from scratch?