Due to its inexpensive cost, capability and accessibility over the Internet, Extensible Markup Language (XML) has become increasingly popular amongst application integrators. XML is a basic formatting language that allows its users to best utilize the data in a document. When combined with Java, XML data can be sent across networks and between users regardless of platform or operating system. "Java gives you portable code and XML gives you portable data," says Kate Fessenden, research director for Boston-based Aberdeen Group. "The two technologies are like marriage partners, you can separate them, but they work better together."

Several organizations are using XML-based content management software to help bring electronic commerce to locations where the Internet and the ownership of personal computers are scarce. With the help of a native XML application server, networks are able to receive information from multiple sources and combine it, thus providing data to customers all across the country.

Combining XML and Java to enhance the sales of industrial machinery is an effective strategy for companies such as BigMachines.com. Various suppliers integrate BigMachines' technology into their own web sites to give their customers access to information. John Capobianco, the senior vice president, says, "Now thanks to Java and XML, we can do more than ask if there are enough bolts in inventory. Now we can actually say, 'If there are enough, commit them to the orders; if not look in our other two warehouses. If you find enough, then process the order.' This can all happen in a single pass instead of multiple passes, and the transaction only goes through if the order can be fulfilled."

With the tremendous capabilities it has to offer, many companies are looking to XML as their stepping stone to an e-business data integration solution.

Source: Taking XML to the Next Level
Michael S. McGarr
EC World, Sept. 2000
http://www.ecomworld.com