Help with Java Comm API

Hi all,
Need your help with the following situation:-
I am trying to build an application using JSP/Servlets. The user should be able to access the application using web browser.The user machine consists of a device(Magtek reader) which consists of RS232 serial port.The JSP/Servlet should be able to access the serial port, read it and pass the data to the server.Needless to say, it would be a multi-user system. So I believe the system should be able to handle multiple threads to read
and write the serial port information.
I was researching about it and found about Java Comm API. I am not sure if JSP pages will be able to access the serial port. The applet has to be signed while using Comm API, does JSP/Servlet has the same issue?
Your help is highly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Salima