XML A manager's guide

Organizations, applications, and individuals can communicate far more effectively if they
agree on the structure and meaning of information. XML was specifically designed to
facilitate such communication over the Internet. Its rapid adoption is taking Web content
beyond page layout, e-commerce to a new level of sophistication, and enterprise software
into an era of true interoperability.

This book serves as a concise guide for technical managers, as well as a starting point for
developers interested in taking advantage of XML. It uses clear explanations of XML
essentials as a foundation to demonstrate how this technology can substantially benefit your
organization. Designed to let you access exactly the information you require, this book clearly
delineates different paths through the chapters based on your needs, provides executive
briefings for every chapter, and includes fast-track summaries of major points in the margins.

XML: A Manager's Guide consists of three sections. The first section explains the need for
XML, introduces fundamental XML concepts, and describes how combining XML with
related standards forms a new paradigm for information exchange. The second section
analyzes the tools, processes, and staff you will need to deploy applications that effectively
leverage the power of this paradigm. Finally, the third section discusses a portfolio of XML
applications relevant to both enterprise software development organizations and independent
software vendors.