ABIS Training & Consulting

Introducing domain 'XML'

Definition

XML (Extensible Markup Language)

XML is a W3C recommendation for creating special-purpose markup languages. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the sharing of structured text and information across the Internet. Languages based on XML are themselves described in a formal way, allowing programs to modify and validate documents in these languages without prior knowledge of their form.

(Source: Webster's Dictionary of Computing)

Importance

Application integration: bridging differences in setup, organisation, structure, platform. Aim: to unite, to bridge, to extend.

In this context, XML plays an important role. As a neutral source of data. As a means for maintaining and interpreting structure and contents. Consequently, XML enables applications that in the end need to be integrated, to be developed - and used - in an independent fashion.

ABIS acknowledges the importance of XML in this very specific context. Obviously, dealing with it requires our specialists to have an extensive technological background, going far beyond the scope of XML: they need to have an insight in the platform and in the applications to be integrated, as well as the data systems supporting these applications. Our added value!

Core competencies

Based on the perceived and observed impact of XML, we have defined an number of core competencies (see also In focus - XML in practice).

XML and structure.

Obviously, one of the most important characteristics of XML is the ability to impose and use 'structure'. How can this be achieved? What are the possibilities and the advantages offered by XML (perhaps compared to other alternatives?) Beyond this rather traditional approach, we want to stress the link with structure and schema development and modelling. Integration with existing technologies, like MQSeries, or data bases, is also considered of key importance.

XML, data bases, and data storage.

Messages and documents are created and composed based on these XML structures. These have to be stored and kept for longer periods. How can this be achieved? What is, in this context, the importance of XML data bases? Are these data bases capable of managing data and documents - like any traditional RDBMS? XML support as implemented by various database vendors - Oracle, SQLServer, UDB - is obviously an important discussion topic as well. How can these data bases be used? What is their impact on XML use?

XML and data formatting.

Use of XML frequently requires complex transformations - on the XML structures, on the content of XML documents. To build new, derived documents. Or to build interfaces. With just one purpose: to synchronise applications, interfaces, and systems.

Practical implementation - WebServices, SOA.

Isn't XML one of the core and principal building blocks behind WebServices and SOA?

Certification

By means of the ABIS course hand-outs and based on practical experience, our participants and course leaders have already taking the following certificates (details - see Certification matrix 'XML') :

IBM Certified Solution Developer: XML and Related Technologies
Altova Certified XMLSpy Engineer (ACXE)

Course leaders

Ludo Van den dries, Responsible for the XML domain.

Training methods

Training	Classroom instruction	Cases Exercises	Indivodual training	Coaching
Training	Please find an overview of the standard trainings in this borchure. On-site trainings are available.	Available as individual trainings.	Available.	All XML related topics can be treated!
Consulting Projects	Projects/Consulting: °) implementation of XBRL °) XML Scheme and database design °) XML in DB2 - practical implementation °) reproting and dynamical (website) generation