Overview

In this chapter we discuss selected XML technologies from the areas of design, data storage, middleware, authoring, and content management where practical solutions are already in place.

In Section 11.1, we present tools that support XML authors and architects in the design process. This includes tools for conceptual design such as UML tools, and also tools for the design of workflows such as Microsoft s BizTalk or the various RosettaNet-related design tools. Designing XML schemata has become easier as good visual editors for DTDs and XML Schema such as Tibco s XML Authority and Altova s XML Spy have gone on the market.

In Section 11.2, we browse the market for XML-enabled database management systems. We first discuss the requirements for such systems, and then we investigate some of the DBMSs, such as Oracle and IBM s DB2, that provide XML support via an additional XML layer (mapped systems). Then we take a close look at native XML database management systems such as Software AG s Tamino. Finally, we recommend best practices on how to select an appropriate database management system.

In Section 11.3, we go into the details of three sample Web-enabled middleware systems: Hewlett-Packard s e-speak, RosettaNet, and Microsoft s BizTalk. Especially BizTalk is of interest here, as it is the first major application relying on the SOAP communications protocol.

In Section 11.4, we briefly list XML-enabled application servers. Basically all manufacturers of application servers provide support for XML and Web services related standards such as SOAP, WSDL, and UDDI.

In Section 11.5, we...