XML is a useful language and API for a variety of programming needs including strategy determination, schema design, conversion, integration with other systems and more. Below are a few of our favorite methods for utilizing XML in various APIs and XML International programming languages.
XML strategy determination
Analysis of text processing requirements, text and data bases, corporate/department goals and long-term information management strategy, and technical infrastructure to determine where and how XML and other structured information standards will be used.
DTD/schema design
Development of an XML DTD or schema for a particular body of information or to support the processing and rendering/delivery of information. DTDs/schemas may control the storage format, the interchange format, and the rendered format of standalone or integrated text resources, such as data bases or documents.
Data conversion and transformation
Specifications and scripts (using XSLT or OmniMark) for converting existing data (within data bases or documents) into XML or HTML or for transforming existing XML, SGML, and HTML documents into other encodings (e.g., the generation of a range of indexes on a particular document).
Product evaluation
Evaluation of various product classes, or entire system solutions, based on user requirements, which may be existing or can be developed as part of the evaluation task.
Authoring environment specification and development
Specification and development of an authoring environment in a range of authoring tools. Includes formatting and scripts to assist users in text input.
Formatting specification development
Specifying the formatting requirements (web-based or paper) for a publishing product using the XSL-FO language. Where appropriate, using the specification to guide development of a non-standards-based formatting application.
Integration with other XML and non-XML information resources
Based on the strategy, XML content may be used with other content from both internal and external sources. Integration can take a variety of forms, including XML International transformations, queries, etc.
Topic map analysis and design
Topic maps provide a mechanism for organizing and exposing information across a wide range of resources through a single interface. Topic maps are an application of XML and can be used to provide an easy and intuitive way to organize and local information.