One or more general exception are needed to organise exception handling in the application. 


'''Option 1:''' GeoNetworkException extends java.lang.RuntimeException 
This is a non checked exception.

Advantages:
 * less boilerplate code
Disadvantages:
 * requires well tested code

'''Option 2:''' GeoNetworkException extends java.lang.Exception
This is a checked exception. Users of api's who can throw this exception need code to catch the exception. 

Advantages:
 * it is explicit which exceptions can be thrown
Disadvantages:
 * code gets dirty with try catches

'''Chosen option 1''': 
The application is well unit tested. It is important that the code remains clean.