It is no exaggeration to say that XML is taking over the world and is becoming the basis for all Web services and most SOA today. XML itself is not a technology, but a programming language that supports developers to design their own tags for Web information. In this way, Web information can be shared by XML applications.
At present, we have seen the turbulent waves in the XML basin:
● Microsoft has released the next version of its Office, code name is Office 12, XML will become its inherent file format. All files with .ppt and .doc.xls suffixes will disappear. These "default" XML file formats can be used as extended formats for WordprocessingML and SpreadsheetML, and can interoperate with binary files of Office 2000 or above.
● Intel acquires Sarvega, an early supporter of XML interchange. Sarvega developed its own operating system in order to effectively process, accelerate, and securely maintain XML traffic. This acquisition will allow Intel's product line to inherit Sarvega's advantages in processing XML traffic.
● Cisco released the AON (Application Oriented Network) platform in June this year. AON is a true application exchange platform that not only supports XML, but also supports non-XML network applications, such as database applications, voice, video, file sharing and instant messaging.
● Some companies, such as Datapower and Reactivity, continue to fuel XML with their XML appliances, networks and software products. We see XML products ranging from servers, blades to software.
The industry has been talking about application exchange as a natural progression of XML exchange, and that application exchange will eventually be swallowed up by router manufacturers. However, the actual situation is that router manufacturers have added XML exchange to their systems, Intel has developed XML acceleration and security software, and Microsoft has Converting some documents into XML format, in other words XML exchange has emerged and should attract everyone's attention.
The problem with XML is finding out who is in this market. Looking at the above examples, you will see that there are WAN vendors, software vendors and chip manufacturers all working in the same direction.
So, what should enterprises do? Changes in software and applications have not happened yet, but changes in networking should certainly be of concern. The impact of XML exchange, such as speedup and security, needs to be evaluated. In enterprises, XML files have exceeded the scope of departments. The financial department has begun to implement the government's XML format specifications, and even the sales department has begun to play with XML templates with partners and channel vendors. These clues indicate that companies must study corresponding countermeasures as early as possible.
Enterprises need to make many architectural decisions, such as whether to adopt general-purpose servers and their software (now including Intel), server applications (Sarvega), high-end application servers (IBM, BEA), specialized chips and embedded subsystems (DataPower, Tarari), network equipment (Cisco, DataPower), and even outsourcing.
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