Strategic XML presents XML architectures and implementations from the software architect's point of view by offering concrete examples that illustrate how XML facilitates the interaction between the many segments of a typical enterprise. The problem of Enterprise Application Integration is growing as businesses have increasing needs to share information seamlessly internally and externally. Strategic XML offers a roadmap. Strategic XML provides a unique XML technology map, dividing a corporate business into XML Zones and providing the proper framework for understanding XML in the context of these zones and their interaction with each other. This book is primarily designed to describe the landscape of a typical large enterprise in terms of where XML can be successfully adopted as a data format. It also should serve as a warning of where not to try to apply XML. The examples give almost equal time to Microsoft and non-Microsoft applications, reflecting the increasingly mixed nature of development in large companies. This book speaks to technologists who have decided that XML provides the benefits necessary for their organizations, but who need to map out an implementation strategy.
Author W. Scott Means is an independent consultant based in South Carolina. He has implemented numerous enterprise-level XML-based solutions, including recent engagements with NCR and Fleet Mortgage. He co-authored the bestselling XML in a Nutshell for O'Reilly and Associates. In 1994, Scott founded Foolproof Software, which designed and sold interactive computer games. Prior to founding Foolproof Software, he was a senior architect with Microsoft Corporation, where he contributed to the design and launch of the Microsoft Network. Scott recently designed and led the implementation team for Policy Management Systems Corporations's premiere Internet application line, PMSCiSolutions.
Strategic XML analyses the IT systems of a typical large corporation and gives specific, fully-functional examples that show how XML can solve problems today while positoning your company for the demands of tomorrow. Strategic XML addresses: XML Web content publishing, a simple workflow system, an offline order processing system, SOAP client and server examples, legacy system integration (using COBOL), and a unified Web and print documentation system based on XML and XSL.
