Is there a way to view models in a browse via flash, java or anything else? the models would be stored on my server with the client viewing it along with textures and anything else the model would need.
I would like any browser app that works but if it works with 3ds i'll be happy
VRML is mostly dead, but you might still be able to find a browser plugin for it. This page leads to some newer 3D web technologies: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vrml
Check this out:
http://blog.promethe.net/2008/12/24/display-half-life-3d-models-with-flash-10/
It mentions something called DirectFlex as well, which I haven't used personally, but at any rate, either of these links might point you in the right direction with respect to using Flash 10 to display your models. Hope it helps!