XML BeLux Conference 2002

XML BeLux Conference 2002

Applied XML
Annual conference of XML Belux

November 21, 2002.

Four years after XML became a W3C Recommendation back in 1998, it has proven to be a major industry standard. It is now included in a vast amount of software packages, and it has found its way in nearly every modern IT-architecture. The success factor of this technology is due to the fact that it provides a standardized but yet flexible format: XML makes it possible to structure and exchange information both for data and complete documents. Complete industrial sectors are using XML to create their own specific XML-frameworks to meet the business needs and requirements of the different vertical markets. But also on a smaller scale, within a single company, the implementation of XML has its advantages.

This year's conference will be focusing on the expected gains and issues that are involved when an organization is about to set up its own XML-application. For this occasion, XML Belux has invited industry professionals, who have already implemented an XML-application and are happy to share their visions, experiences and possible pitfalls to avoid.

This year's program consists of two parallel tracks. The first track will present the business cases around this years theme: Applied XML. Track two gives the opportunity to gather information about the newest technologies and features integrated in the XML-products of the different vendors.

Session Track 1: Applied XML
8:45 - 9:15
Arrival & Registration
 
9:15 - 10:15
Keynote by Prof Dr. Wilfried Lemahieu: 
XML about XML: capturing structural and semantic metadata for documents and
services
 
10:15 - 10:30
Break
 
10:30 - 11:15
Multilingual publishing from XML-John Volker

11:15 - 12:00
A quality personalized output by means of XML-Tom Tenhaene

12:00 - 14:00
Lunch & exhibition
 
14:00 - 14:45
Digital Broadcasting based on IP, XML and J2EE - an implementation on a
Scalable Enterprise Infrastructure-Maarten Verwaest
 
14:45 - 15:30
Increasing customer service with the e-Catalogues, including Customer
On-Line Ordering, Catalogue pre-press automation, and Supplier Catalogue
Integration-Frederik Bocklandt 
 
15:30 - 16:00
Break
 
16:00 - 16:45
XML speeds up deregulation of the electricity market-Cécile Pellegrin &
Stéphane Bidoul
 
16:45 - 17:00
Closing
 
17:00 - 18:00
Drink

Session Track 1: Vendor Track
 
10:30 - 11:15
Oracle

11:15 - 12:00
Software AG
 
14:00 - 14:45
XHive
 
14:45 - 15:30
ArborText
 
16:00 - 16:45
Omnimark

Abstracts and biographies

XML about XML: capturing structural and semantic metadata for documents and services - By Prof. dr. Wilfried Lemahieu

Abstract: Whereas XML was initially conceived as a standard to define (semi-)structured web documents and data, many emerging technologies also rely on XML to represent their metadata. An obvious example is the XML schema specification. Another example is the de facto standard for web services, based on a SOAP/UDDI/WSDL stack, which not only represents a service's messages by means of XML, but also the meta-descriptions about its interface and behaviour. However, the opinion is growing that these structural metadata in itself are unsatisfactory as a basis for interaction between heterogeneous, loosely coupled systems. Metadata specifications also need a semantic component to attribute a (machine-processable) "meaning" to the underlying structural descriptions. It appears that, yet again, XML will be used as the representation format to describe such "semantic metadata".

About the speaker: Wilfried Lemahieu holds a Ph. D. from the Department of Applied Economic Sciences of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (1999). At present, he is a full professor at the Management Informatics research group of this department. His teaching includes Database Management, Data Storage Architectures and Management Informatics. His research interests include hypermedia and web based information systems, object-relational and object-oriented database systems, distributed object architectures and web services. His research has resulted in several publications in international journals and conference proceedings.

Multilingual publishing from XML - By John Volker

Abstract: Structured documents offer valuable support for multi-lingual product documentation. However, success in using XML content management and translation memory is not guaranteed. This session helps to make the difference, bringing you up to speed on the advantages and drawbacks of using structured documents, content management, and translation memories. Attendees will hear about combining method-driven structured information capture and automated translation systems. In addition, valuable insights on the management of multi-lingual information for single-sourcing environments will be shared, focusing on some real-world projects as well as some caveats.

About the speaker: John Volker is an expert in XML/SGML-related content management and eBusiness solutions. With a background in business administration and software engineering, he frequently lectures on the topic of XML and its benefits in today's business applications.

A quality personalized output by means of XML (MULTIFORMAT, MULTICHANNEL, MULTISOCIETY, MULTI...) - By Tom Tenhaene

Abstract: KBC has opted for a document management system that will support the different stages of the document life cycle (creation, output, storage). This document management system has to be able to handle different kinds of documents, such as general and particular conditions, letters and training courses. The objective of this project is twofold:

* providing high quality personalized documents that can be distributed via various output channels, observing all corporate image standards;

* achieving a cost reduction due to increased productivity and flexibility. In order to reach these objectives, KBC has purposefully opted for XML technology. Tom will offer us a concise case description.

About the speaker: Tom has obtained a master's degree in Science (physics). He started his career as a Software Engineer for Cognita Software Consultants. Currently, he is the Senior System Manager of KBC's DOC-team. This team is specialized in developing tools for client oriented quality output and document management.

Increasing customer service with the e-Catalogues, including Customer On-Line Ordering, Catalogue pre-press automation, and Supplier Catalogue Integration - By Frederik Bocklandt

Abstract: Some companies are using separate solutions for e-commerce, catalogue software and partner integration, which makes it necessary to combine current enterprise application integration possibilities, a unique catalogue framework and XML-data transformation power. This complex combination can easily be replaced by a unique and common foundation, allowing e-transactions and delivering automatically XML-based multimedia outputs, such as web, cd-rom and pre-press.

Key issues in an automatic catalogue generation process are building, managing and maintaining structured and non-structured catalogue content (images, technical drawings, photographs) for different output types. In addition, they have to be accessible for different applications and media. XML obviously brings added value in this process. Automatic pre-press format generation spectacularly reduces the time-to-market of a catalogue from months to just a few hours, while typical individual pre-press make-up functionalities can still be applied. Such a synchronization between data and production of media makes it possible for communication efforts to focus on content rather than on the information carrier.

About the speaker: Frederik Bocklandt is a Solution Architect with 15 years IT experience in Supply Chain and Logistics processes. For the last 3 years, Frederik has been focusing on e-business processes, especially in the area of e-catalogues and multi media catalogues. He has developes special interest in the integration with ERP-systems, and the management and maintenance of structured and non-structured data for multiple industry segments. Within the area of XML, he is particularly interested in performance implications. Frederik has participated to the design and development of the e-catalogue solutions. In addition, he has directed the project management of several customer projects.

XML speeds up deregulation of the e-lectricity market - By Cécile Pellegrin & Stéphane Bidoul

Abstract: Elia operates the high-voltage grid of 380,000 to 20,000 volts. This electricity grid consists of overhead lines, underground cables and substations. Elia is the link between power stations, big industrial users and local distribution companies. The high-voltage grid also enables the import and export of electricity. As grid operator, Elia manages the balance between production and demand, for electricity cannot be stored. Elia also plays a key role in the open market by giving all users access to the grid in a transparent and non-discriminatory way. The process, which enables Elia to accomplish its task, is based on a time-critical scheduling system. This presentation will explain how Elia has been able to implement a new scheduling system based on the XML standard. The new system, which is accessible via a web interface, guarantees not only the security of the message traffic using SSL encryption. It also allows customers to connect directly to Elia to submit 'nominations' for electricity and to consult their status. To do this, the customer can choose between a B2C interface that it can easily consult through a browser, and a B2B interface that enables the automatic exchange of XML messages between servers.

About the speakers: Cécile Pellegrin, Company Project Leader at Elia, is an engineer in mechanics and has worked in the electricity sector for the last 4 years. She has acquired comprehensive experience concerning access contracts, market business rules and the treatment of energy schedules in the access department of the Belgian system operator. She is responsible for co-ordinating all projects related to these aspects.

Stéphane Bidoul is a software architect and project leader at Software AG Belgium. He specializes in distributed object-oriented applications and complex documentary workflow automation systems. These applications have their use of XML and SGML in common, either as a document storage and exchange medium, or as a formal message specification tool for communications between distributed application processes. He has obtained a degree in electromechanical engineering from the Free University of Brussels in 1992.

Venue and registration

Date: Thursday, November 21st 2002, from 8:45pm until 18:00 pm

Location:
Aula Omnia Schaubroeck
Steenweg Deinze 154
B-9810 Nazareth

Registration fees:
The fee includes access to the vendor exhibition, all coffee breaks, lunch, closing reception as well as handouts.

XML BeLux members: EUR 100
SAI members: EUR 185
Others: EUR 225
For membership registration, go to:
http://www.xmlbelux.be/memberform.html

Registration
http://www.xmlbelux.be/events/eventform.html

Payment

PLEASE NOTE THAT ADVANCED PAYMENT IS REQUIRED

Please pay the total amount of your fees by bank transfer to account 068-2144301-46 of SGML/XML BeLux vzw/asbl only. For international transfers, please use this address: Gemeentekrediet van België, Regio Dendermonde, Dr. Haekstraat 56, B-2900 Dendermonde.

Invoices

You will be invoiced shortly after the event. If you would like us to refer to a purchase order on the invoice, please indicate the required reference upon registration.

Cancellations

You can cancel your registration up to November 15th, 2002. A colleague can always take your place.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Hermans
Email: info@protext.be
Leuvensesteenweg 282c
3190 Boortmeerbeek
Belgium
Tel. +32 (0)15-61.85.41
Fax +32 (0)15-62.03.99

Our corporate sponsors

Software AG

Software AG is Europe's largest provider of system software and services offering cross-enterprise solutions for data integration and management and e-business. Software AG focuses on products and solutions that support the XML standard, such as its Tamino native XML Information Server and XML-based EntireX integration platform.
http://www.softwareag.com/belux

Oracle Corporation

Oracle Corporation is the world's largest enterprise software company, offering XML supporting databases, tools and application products, along with related consulting, education, and support services, in over 140 countries.
http://www.oracle.be/

Our media sponsors

IT Works
Strategic Information for IT professionals
http://www.itworks.be/

Outerthought
Outerthought - XML & Java Competence Support Center
http://www.outerthought.org/

SAI
Studiecentrum voor Automatische Informatieverwerking
http://www.sai.be/

Carels Business Solutions
Empowering XML & Web Business Applications
http://www.carels.be/

Prepared by Robin Cover for The XML Cover Pages archive.

SEARCH Advanced Search ABOUT Site Map CP RSS Channel Contact Us Sponsoring CP About Our Sponsors NEWS Cover Stories Articles & Papers Press Releases CORE STANDARDS XML SGML Schemas XSL/XSLT/XPath XLink XML Query CSS SVG TECHNOLOGY REPORTS XML Applications General Apps Government Apps Academic Apps EVENTS LIBRARY Introductions FAQs Bibliography Technology and Society Semantics Tech Topics Software Related Standards Historic	XML BeLux Conference 2002 XML BeLux Conference 2002 Applied XML Annual conference of XML Belux November 21, 2002. Four years after XML became a W3C Recommendation back in 1998, it has proven to be a major industry standard. It is now included in a vast amount of software packages, and it has found its way in nearly every modern IT-architecture. The success factor of this technology is due to the fact that it provides a standardized but yet flexible format: XML makes it possible to structure and exchange information both for data and complete documents. Complete industrial sectors are using XML to create their own specific XML-frameworks to meet the business needs and requirements of the different vertical markets. But also on a smaller scale, within a single company, the implementation of XML has its advantages. This year's conference will be focusing on the expected gains and issues that are involved when an organization is about to set up its own XML-application. For this occasion, XML Belux has invited industry professionals, who have already implemented an XML-application and are happy to share their visions, experiences and possible pitfalls to avoid. This year's program consists of two parallel tracks. The first track will present the business cases around this years theme: Applied XML. Track two gives the opportunity to gather information about the newest technologies and features integrated in the XML-products of the different vendors. Session Track 1: Applied XML 8:45 - 9:15 Arrival & Registration 9:15 - 10:15 Keynote by Prof Dr. Wilfried Lemahieu: XML about XML: capturing structural and semantic metadata for documents and services 10:15 - 10:30 Break 10:30 - 11:15 Multilingual publishing from XML-John Volker 11:15 - 12:00 A quality personalized output by means of XML-Tom Tenhaene 12:00 - 14:00 Lunch & exhibition 14:00 - 14:45 Digital Broadcasting based on IP, XML and J2EE - an implementation on a Scalable Enterprise Infrastructure-Maarten Verwaest 14:45 - 15:30 Increasing customer service with the e-Catalogues, including Customer On-Line Ordering, Catalogue pre-press automation, and Supplier Catalogue Integration-Frederik Bocklandt 15:30 - 16:00 Break 16:00 - 16:45 XML speeds up deregulation of the electricity market-Cécile Pellegrin & Stéphane Bidoul 16:45 - 17:00 Closing 17:00 - 18:00 Drink Session Track 1: Vendor Track 10:30 - 11:15 Oracle 11:15 - 12:00 Software AG 14:00 - 14:45 XHive 14:45 - 15:30 ArborText 16:00 - 16:45 Omnimark Abstracts and biographies XML about XML: capturing structural and semantic metadata for documents and services - By Prof. dr. Wilfried Lemahieu Abstract: Whereas XML was initially conceived as a standard to define (semi-)structured web documents and data, many emerging technologies also rely on XML to represent their metadata. An obvious example is the XML schema specification. Another example is the de facto standard for web services, based on a SOAP/UDDI/WSDL stack, which not only represents a service's messages by means of XML, but also the meta-descriptions about its interface and behaviour. However, the opinion is growing that these structural metadata in itself are unsatisfactory as a basis for interaction between heterogeneous, loosely coupled systems. Metadata specifications also need a semantic component to attribute a (machine-processable) "meaning" to the underlying structural descriptions. It appears that, yet again, XML will be used as the representation format to describe such "semantic metadata". About the speaker: Wilfried Lemahieu holds a Ph. D. from the Department of Applied Economic Sciences of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (1999). At present, he is a full professor at the Management Informatics research group of this department. His teaching includes Database Management, Data Storage Architectures and Management Informatics. His research interests include hypermedia and web based information systems, object-relational and object-oriented database systems, distributed object architectures and web services. His research has resulted in several publications in international journals and conference proceedings. Multilingual publishing from XML - By John Volker Abstract: Structured documents offer valuable support for multi-lingual product documentation. However, success in using XML content management and translation memory is not guaranteed. This session helps to make the difference, bringing you up to speed on the advantages and drawbacks of using structured documents, content management, and translation memories. Attendees will hear about combining method-driven structured information capture and automated translation systems. In addition, valuable insights on the management of multi-lingual information for single-sourcing environments will be shared, focusing on some real-world projects as well as some caveats. About the speaker: John Volker is an expert in XML/SGML-related content management and eBusiness solutions. With a background in business administration and software engineering, he frequently lectures on the topic of XML and its benefits in today's business applications. A quality personalized output by means of XML (MULTIFORMAT, MULTICHANNEL, MULTISOCIETY, MULTI...) - By Tom Tenhaene Abstract: KBC has opted for a document management system that will support the different stages of the document life cycle (creation, output, storage). This document management system has to be able to handle different kinds of documents, such as general and particular conditions, letters and training courses. The objective of this project is twofold: * providing high quality personalized documents that can be distributed via various output channels, observing all corporate image standards; * achieving a cost reduction due to increased productivity and flexibility. In order to reach these objectives, KBC has purposefully opted for XML technology. Tom will offer us a concise case description. About the speaker: Tom has obtained a master's degree in Science (physics). He started his career as a Software Engineer for Cognita Software Consultants. Currently, he is the Senior System Manager of KBC's DOC-team. This team is specialized in developing tools for client oriented quality output and document management. Increasing customer service with the e-Catalogues, including Customer On-Line Ordering, Catalogue pre-press automation, and Supplier Catalogue Integration - By Frederik Bocklandt Abstract: Some companies are using separate solutions for e-commerce, catalogue software and partner integration, which makes it necessary to combine current enterprise application integration possibilities, a unique catalogue framework and XML-data transformation power. This complex combination can easily be replaced by a unique and common foundation, allowing e-transactions and delivering automatically XML-based multimedia outputs, such as web, cd-rom and pre-press. Key issues in an automatic catalogue generation process are building, managing and maintaining structured and non-structured catalogue content (images, technical drawings, photographs) for different output types. In addition, they have to be accessible for different applications and media. XML obviously brings added value in this process. Automatic pre-press format generation spectacularly reduces the time-to-market of a catalogue from months to just a few hours, while typical individual pre-press make-up functionalities can still be applied. Such a synchronization between data and production of media makes it possible for communication efforts to focus on content rather than on the information carrier. About the speaker: Frederik Bocklandt is a Solution Architect with 15 years IT experience in Supply Chain and Logistics processes. For the last 3 years, Frederik has been focusing on e-business processes, especially in the area of e-catalogues and multi media catalogues. He has developes special interest in the integration with ERP-systems, and the management and maintenance of structured and non-structured data for multiple industry segments. Within the area of XML, he is particularly interested in performance implications. Frederik has participated to the design and development of the e-catalogue solutions. In addition, he has directed the project management of several customer projects. XML speeds up deregulation of the e-lectricity market - By Cécile Pellegrin & Stéphane Bidoul Abstract: Elia operates the high-voltage grid of 380,000 to 20,000 volts. This electricity grid consists of overhead lines, underground cables and substations. Elia is the link between power stations, big industrial users and local distribution companies. The high-voltage grid also enables the import and export of electricity. As grid operator, Elia manages the balance between production and demand, for electricity cannot be stored. Elia also plays a key role in the open market by giving all users access to the grid in a transparent and non-discriminatory way. The process, which enables Elia to accomplish its task, is based on a time-critical scheduling system. This presentation will explain how Elia has been able to implement a new scheduling system based on the XML standard. The new system, which is accessible via a web interface, guarantees not only the security of the message traffic using SSL encryption. It also allows customers to connect directly to Elia to submit 'nominations' for electricity and to consult their status. To do this, the customer can choose between a B2C interface that it can easily consult through a browser, and a B2B interface that enables the automatic exchange of XML messages between servers. About the speakers: Cécile Pellegrin, Company Project Leader at Elia, is an engineer in mechanics and has worked in the electricity sector for the last 4 years. She has acquired comprehensive experience concerning access contracts, market business rules and the treatment of energy schedules in the access department of the Belgian system operator. She is responsible for co-ordinating all projects related to these aspects. Stéphane Bidoul is a software architect and project leader at Software AG Belgium. He specializes in distributed object-oriented applications and complex documentary workflow automation systems. These applications have their use of XML and SGML in common, either as a document storage and exchange medium, or as a formal message specification tool for communications between distributed application processes. He has obtained a degree in electromechanical engineering from the Free University of Brussels in 1992. Venue and registration Date: Thursday, November 21st 2002, from 8:45pm until 18:00 pm Location: Aula Omnia Schaubroeck Steenweg Deinze 154 B-9810 Nazareth Registration fees: The fee includes access to the vendor exhibition, all coffee breaks, lunch, closing reception as well as handouts. XML BeLux members: EUR 100 SAI members: EUR 185 Others: EUR 225 For membership registration, go to: http://www.xmlbelux.be/memberform.html Registration http://www.xmlbelux.be/events/eventform.html Payment PLEASE NOTE THAT ADVANCED PAYMENT IS REQUIRED Please pay the total amount of your fees by bank transfer to account 068-2144301-46 of SGML/XML BeLux vzw/asbl only. For international transfers, please use this address: Gemeentekrediet van België, Regio Dendermonde, Dr. Haekstraat 56, B-2900 Dendermonde. Invoices You will be invoiced shortly after the event. If you would like us to refer to a purchase order on the invoice, please indicate the required reference upon registration. Cancellations You can cancel your registration up to November 15th, 2002. A colleague can always take your place. For more information, please contact: Paul Hermans Email: info@protext.be Leuvensesteenweg 282c 3190 Boortmeerbeek Belgium Tel. +32 (0)15-61.85.41 Fax +32 (0)15-62.03.99 Our corporate sponsors Software AG Software AG is Europe's largest provider of system software and services offering cross-enterprise solutions for data integration and management and e-business. Software AG focuses on products and solutions that support the XML standard, such as its Tamino native XML Information Server and XML-based EntireX integration platform. http://www.softwareag.com/belux Oracle Corporation Oracle Corporation is the world's largest enterprise software company, offering XML supporting databases, tools and application products, along with related consulting, education, and support services, in over 140 countries. http://www.oracle.be/ Our media sponsors IT Works Strategic Information for IT professionals http://www.itworks.be/ Outerthought Outerthought - XML & Java Competence Support Center http://www.outerthought.org/ SAI Studiecentrum voor Automatische Informatieverwerking http://www.sai.be/ Carels Business Solutions Empowering XML & Web Business Applications http://www.carels.be/ Prepared by Robin Cover for The XML Cover Pages archive.