In which format should base maps be rendered

[xariaD]

We will be hosting the base maps on our own server.
For mapIt to interact with these maps; in which format should the REST services provide the maps.
Is jpeg alright? Will it support zoom in and zoom out?
Or do we have to provide the maps as shape files or mxd?

TIA

[dotMorten_esri]

When you publish your MXD to ArcGIS Server you get to pick betweem JPEG, GIF and PNG. GIF is not supported by Silverlight. Choose PNG or JPEG based on the type of data you have. JPEG compresses imagery really well, but is poor for line graphics like topographical maps, which PNG is better at compressing. JPG doesn't support pixel transparency either, so that might also be an issue if your map is not used as a baselayer.

[xariaD]

So we need to have a ArcGIS Server to host the maps? We cannot host the maps on normal webserver?

[dotMorten_esri]

You need some sort of mapserver that can spit out image tiles. Meaning render the vector data based on their styling defined in the MXD. This is what ArcGIS Server mainly does.
You can use a 3rd party mapserver, but you would have to write your own client layers as well then.