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Last modified: April 12, 2000
XML Industry News

XML News

This XML Industry News section consists mainly of links to company press releases announcing support for XML/XSL/XLink, beginning with January 2000. An effort has been made to include representative items, but the collection is not exhaustive. Other documents with reference collections:

Major articles on XML in the trade magazines, as well as the more substantive refereed articles on XML in technical publications, are listed in the dedicated database sections: Current XML Surveys and Overview Articles

Site Search: [VMS Indexed Search]

  • [March 31, 2000] "IBM Announces Worldwide Availability of Software For Delivering Web Content to Wireless Devices." - "IBM today announced the worldwide availability of IBM WebSphere Transcoding Publisher, software that dynamically translates Web information -- including text and images -- to a format readable on a variety of Internet appliances. WebSphere Transcoding Publisher extends the reach of Web data and applications to a new generation of information appliances, including smart phones, car browsers and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Because Transcoding Publisher customizes the content to match the capabilities of the receiving device, applications do not have to be rewritten. Built on an extensible, Java-based architecture, WebSphere Transcoding Publisher converts data and applications written in the standard markup languages of the Web -- HTML and XML -- to other formats such as Wireless Markup Language (WML). It can also convert graphics to a format that can be viewed on a wireless device. The software is based on open industry standards and available for AIX, Linux, Solaris and Microsoft Windows NT and Windows 2000 operating systems."

  • [March 31, 2000] "XCare.net Announces Strategic Alliance With cranespharmacy.com. XCare.net Will Create an Integrated Private-Label Online Pharmacy Solution Exchange for Business Clients." - "XCare.net, a leading eBusiness solutions and services provider for healthcare organizations, announced a strategic vendor partnership with cranespharmacy.com, the first company to develop, host and manage customer-branded Internet pharmacies for payers, providers and other healthcare companies and health focused Web sites. XCare.net will integrate cranespharmacy.com's private-label online pharmacy applications for XCare.net's business clients through a Solution Exchange built on XCare.net's proprietary business-to-business eHealth platform. This platform, built using proprietary technology based on XML and XTM, creates a web-based exchange of high-value products and services between XCare.net's clients and partners. As part of this alliance, XCare.net with generate transaction revenue. XCare.net payer clients that utilize the integrated online pharmacy solution can deliver personalized health information to their members along with cranespharmacy.com's extensive online catalog of health products. The pharmacy system will provide XCare.net's business clients with connectivity to their preferred prescription fulfillment partners, including prescription benefit management companies, mail order services and retail pharmacy networks. . . through the use of Topic Navigation Mapping technology, the ability to create dynamic access to static data is now possible. Unlike traditional full searches which often return irrelevant results, XCare.net leverages TNM to provide our customers with advanced search capability to intelligently navigate for healthcare-related information that is most meaningful to them. . . XCare.net is a leading provider of strategic eBusiness portals and business-to-business Internet solutions designed specifically for the healthcare industry. The company builds mission-critical web sites and leverages its XML-based architecture and a proprietary set of search, filtering and integration technologies, in conjunction with the eXtensible Topic Mapping publishing standard to provide a mass-customized and personalized eBusiness environment. This is tailored to enhance the clients' personalized brand and to process high value transactions and mission critical applications. . . (1) Content and Workflow Services (Information Objects) are tagged using XML and made available for integration within a virtual repository (Enterprise Data Warehouse or the Web). (2) The Service Brokering Layer provides the means to address the physical location and understand the type of XML object within the virtual repository. (3) The Semantic Brokering Layer understands and translates the meaning of a user request by navigating the topic navigation map to request the required information objects. (4) The Context Brokering Layer maintains composite application state, such as patient context, between objects selected for integration. (5) The Community Viewer dynamically renders the retrieved XCare.net objects into a format specific to the particular user."

  • [March 31, 2000] "MyComputer.com Partnership with SoftQuad Software Inc. To Enhance HoTMetaL PRO 6.0. Web developers gain access to integrated Web site management in latest version of HoTMetaL PRO." - "MyComputer.com, a leading application service provider dedicated to the development of integrated Web site management tools powering e-businesses, and SoftQuad Software Inc., today announced an agreement to bundle six MyComputer.com Web developer tools with the widely-deployed HoTMetaL PRO 6.0 Web site creation software. Noted as one of the top five HTML editors by CNET's Download.com, HoTMetaL PRO is a versatile Web site creation tool offering WYSIWYG display and tutorials for novices; as well as a powerful, customizable and extensible package for seasoned site developers. Under terms of the agreement with MyComputer.com, HoTMetaL PRO 6.0 users have the option to download MyComputer.com tools to monitor and analyze site traffic and enhance visitor interaction. MyComputer.com offers the Web's largest suite of professional site management tools, providing users with resources to enhance the interactivity and marketing appeal of their sites in addition to tracking and analyzing site traffic. SoftQuad Software Inc. a leading developer of HTML and XML enabling technologies and commerce solutions for e-publishing, e-commerce and knowledge management. SoftQuad's HoTMetaL PRO is a widely deployed HTML Web site creation and management tool, providing advanced capabilities and productivity tools to quickly create sophisticated Web sites."

  • [March 31, 2000] "NetVendor Transforms Communities Into Marketplaces by Expanding E-commerce Distribution with IBM. NetVendor's E.MBRACE Works with IBM's WebSphere Commerce Suite for Service Providers to Fully Enable Electronic Distribution Channels." - "NetVendor, a leading provider of e- Channel solutions today unveiled a solution whereby companies may optimize distribution channels using NetVendor's E.MBRACE e-Channels solution and IBM's WebSphere Commerce Suite, Service Provider Edition. The new package is a combined offering called Channel Marketing Enablement (CME). Until now, an enormous effort was required to design and implement an Internet-enabled distribution channel. But with the new Channel Marketing Enablement (CME) package, manufacturers and distributors will find it much easier and faster to leverage the Internet in serving dealers and creating electronic marketplaces. The CME offering supports the full distribution lifecycle master catalogs and multiple dealer sub-catalogs; parts-search based on OEM equivalent, descriptions, engineering drawings; multi-tiered, flexible pricing; Request for Quote (RFQ) and multiple purchase order processing; control of distribution by territory and dealer, account-based and electronic payment methods; shipment management and tracking; Return Materials Authorizations (RMAs); and flexible XML-based interfaces to existing business systems."

  • [March 31, 2000] "Firstlogic Announces E-Business and International Data Quality Solutions to Improve Customers' Worldwide Competitive Edge. ASP Availability and XML Communication Deliver Added Benefits to Customers." - "Firstlogic, Inc. announced the significant expansion of its eDataQuality suite, including the most detailed international data quality solution available today, Application Service Provider (ASP) flexibility and Internet-enabled client/server architectures utilizing XML communication. The eDataQuality suite uses the core technology of Firstlogic's i.d.Centric product line. The software helps any organization cleanse customer data in real-time, at the point of data capture or anywhere in the enterprise, to ensure that customer information is reliable and accurate before it enters a database. Firstlogic is the first to offer such extensive international data quality capabilities in an online transactional environment. This sophisticated solution offers North American and European address assignment that allows businesses to maintain accurate and complete international data in their enterprise systems. The data quality software accurately standardizes, corrects, assigns and enhances customer data for the U.S., Canada and 16 European countries, including France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. The eDataQuality suite is extremely flexible with Internet-enabled client/server IT architectures and offers familiar interfaces to an organization's existing development and operating technologies. Available clients include ActiveX (COM), Java, Perl, C++, MS/SQL Extended Stored Procedures and direct XML communication."

  • [March 30, 2000] "Vertical Computer Systems Announces Official Launch of the Brazil Bridge for April 22, 2000." - "Vertical Computer Systems, Inc. announced today the official release date for the launch of its second multi-lingual / multi-national portal - theBrazilBridge.com will be April 22, 2000. The Portuguese language portal will offer Brazilian web surfers a proprietary internet search engine written with Vertical Computer System's proprietary MLE (Emily) Markup Language Executive, free e-mail, electronic shopping, online chat, news, sports, online radio and a business center. This search engine will incorporate multiple web crawlers to keep the site up-to-date, and will include the ability to suggest URLs and categories. The site will recognize returning visitors and allow them to continuously customize their search options and strategies. In addition to performing HTML-based queries, the Brazil Bridge will be XML enabled, allowing XML parsers, such as the Emily program or other standard parsers, to make queries and obtain the results in XML format. This provides a unique and powerful programmatic interface to the search engine. Vertical Computer Systems, Inc. is a multi lingual portal provider, and e-commerce solutions company, based in the United States. The Company provides a full range of Internet services that include building e-commerce solutions nationally and internationally, distributing content via its multi lingual portal network. . . Emily (MLE) is a programming language that consists of executable programs, files, configuration data, and documentation needed to create websites that intercommunicate via XML and HTTP. The Emily Framework is intended to be an engineering package comparable to other web development tools such as Allaire Cold Fusion or Microsoft Frontpage. The primary component of Emily is MLE (Markup Language Executive), a programming language that already runs on Windows NT, Linux and several UNIX platforms. The MLE Emily Solution is intended to be both a complement and possibly an alternative to Java on the server side. Emily implements XML explicitly designed for server-to-server communication, XML being the industry-endorsed format for business-to-business communication."

  • [March 30, 2000] "The E-Content Company Announces BladeRunner 2.0. Features PowerPoint for XML Authoring and Oracle8i Support for Greater Performance and Scalability." - "The e-content company, a division of Interleaf, Inc. and leader in delivering powerful XML-based content management solutions for e-business initiatives, today announced BladeRunner 2.0. Featuring a number of new productivity enhancements, BladeRunner 2.0 includes the ability to author XML content in PowerPoint and provides greater performance and scalability with Oracle-8i support. Marking an industry first, BladeRunner customers will be able to generate XML content in PowerPoint to gain greater access to and control of valuable information stored in this popular presentation software. Many corporations utilize PowerPoint presentations in their course of business. Content providers will produce valid XML from within the familiar PowerPoint environment without regard to the syntax or semantics of XML. In addition, content creators can utilize: presentations, presentation masters, slide masters, slides, text, bulleted lists and shapes from PowerPoint and create valid XML content that is then placed in the content repository. BladeRunner 2.0 includes support for Oracle 8i as the underlying database for its content repository. As a result, organizations benefit from having the ability to manage large volumes of XML content and making it available to countless users simultaneously. In addition to scalability benefits, BladeRunner 2.0 features significant performance enhancements enabling organizations to unleash the power of their corporate assets by leveraging nearly unlimited amounts of information. BladeRunner enables companies to create, manage, and publish e-content - targeted, timely, customized, intelligent, medium-aware business information - for web-enabled applications, using XML as its technology backbone and the Microsoft Office Suite for content creation. Companies are able to apply intelligence, structure and style to their business information, generate output in a variety of formats, and dynamically integrate that information with other electronic and business processes in support of their e-business initiatives. BladeRunner enables organizations to realize improved time to market, increase revenues, and gain a competitive advantage by providing a solution designed to leverage information content and facilitate business transactions throughout the information value chain, connecting corporations with their customers, suppliers, distributors, and partners."

  • [March 30, 2000] "Deltek Systems, Inc. Embraces aecXML Project. Joins International Alliance for Interoperability." - "Deltek Systems, Inc.. Deltek and the International Alliance for Interoperability (the Alliance) announced that the McLean-based enterprise solutions provider joined the aecXML Project. Deltek and the Alliance are joining forces to define the Extensible Markup Language (XML) standards for project and business-to-business communications in the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. Alliance officials estimate that achieving true interoperability in the AEC marketplace would save the industry approximately $7.5 to $15 billion annually. This figure is based on estimates from McGraw-Hill and the CMD Group, which place the annual value of the total U.S., Canadian and Mexican commercial construction markets at $750 billion. Deltek's Executive Vice President for Software Development Eric Brehm observed that 'Despite advances in technology and information management systems, many AEC firms are still fragmenting their data by manually transferring project information among customers, partners and other industry sectors. The impact of data fragmentation on a company can be substantial, causing losses of data integrity, costly inefficiencies in coordinating among personnel, projects and resources, as well as lost revenues and opportunities.' Mr. Brehm points out that 'Deltek is already helping AEC firms by offering Internet-based business-to-business and enterprise relationship management solutions that consolidate fragmented information about customers and projects into one centralized and integrated system. Using XML standards will allow our customers to leverage the power of the Internet by freely exchanging information and collaborating with other organizations using the same or other compliant interoperable platforms.' Extensible Markup Language, or XML, is a meta-markup language that provides a universal data format for describing structured information. The 'extensibility' of the XML language makes it a very powerful business tool for communicating and collaborating on the Internet. By developing and implementing an 'XML schema' or relational vocabulary specific to AEC projects, organizations using the same schema could use their existing software applications to send, receive, access and retrieve virtually any type of project document or transactional data. It also gives AEC firms a much more efficient and effective way for taking advantage of e-collaboration and e-commerce opportunities, such as coordinating and synchronizing related project information with clients as well as doing business with suppliers and purchasers of equipment, materials, supplies, parts and services." See "aecXML Working Group - Architecture, Engineering and Construction."

  • [March 30, 2000] "Documentum, POET Software, and SAQQARA Systems Join Forces with Commerce One to Accelerate Supplier Participation in e-Marketplaces. Documentum 4i eBusiness Edition, POET eCatalog Suite, and SAQQARA Commerce Suite Support XML Common Business Library (xCBL) Format for Instant Access to the MarketSite Portal Solution." - "Commerce One, Inc., leader in global e-commerce solutions for business, today announced the execution of a memoranda of understanding with Documentum, POET Software, and SAQQARA Systems to deliver integrated e-catalog solutions that will enable suppliers to rapidly participate in business-to-business e-marketplaces powered by the Commerce One MarketSite Portal Solution. Documentum 4i eBusiness Edition, POET eCatalog Suite and SAQQARA Commerce Suite now support the standards-based XML Common Business Library (xCBL) that enables the seamless exchange of e-catalogs. Under the terms of the definitive agreements which the parties expect to sign shortly, Documentum, POET, and SAQQARA are the newest three of many industry-leading companies who endorse XML Common Business Library (xCBL), an industry standard created by Commerce One, that allows any company to trade with any other, anytime through end-to-end system integration and open XML document exchange. The new partnerships enable suppliers and manufacturers to automate the selling process and make product catalogs available to Commerce One MarketSite Portal Solution based business-to-business trading communities. Suppliers can choose a solution that best suits their unique requirements, providing them with seamless access to a global e-marketplace. The Documentum 4i eBusiness Edition, a leading content management solution, addresses the key functional requirements of content management, site management and content delivery. The eBusiness architecture is serving high-profile Internet, intranet, and extranet sites today; Web-enabling key business processes that will integrate with the MarketSite Portal Solution based on XML Common Business Library (xCBL). POET eCatalog Suite insulates suppliers from the inherent complexity of e-commerce by providing a standards-based method to make catalogs available within e-marketplaces. POET eCatalog Suite automatically generates catalogs that are customized for each buyer, reflecting their contract pricing, approved product selection, and more. Further, the suite is ideal for suppliers who must work with multiple exchanges, because it supports several commodity codification schemes, as well as legacy and XML eCatalog data formats. SAQQARA's Commerce Suite is an integrated set of Web server applications that enables Global 2000 manufacturers to manage and publish detailed product information with advanced product selection capabilities. It also enables the exchange of information with trading partners via the xCBL 2.0 standard and fully participates in business-to-business trading communities powered by the Commerce One MarketSite Portal Solution."

  • [March 30, 2000] "Kewill, With Microsoft, Works to Deliver Business-to-Business E-Commerce Solutions. Kewill will use Microsoft BizTalk Server 2000 in its Next Generation of E-Commerce Solutions." - "Kewill E-Commerce, a leading provider of electronic commerce supply chain management solutions, today announced it will use the Microsoft BizTalk Server 2000 as an integral component in its next generation of business-to-business e-commerce solutions. BizTalk Server will provide the tools and infrastructure required to automate business-to-business processes. The server interchanges business documents among various platforms and operating systems regardless of the application being used to process the documents. BizTalk Server also provides a standard gateway for sending and receiving documents via the Internet, which allows companies to integrate with their external trading partners. By taking advantage of BizTalk Framework-compatible schemas, which are based on Extensible Markup Language (XML) schemas that follow industry standards, BizTalk Server enables organizations to effectively and efficiently conduct business online. Kewill's solution consists of an e-commerce backbone including enterprise application integration, EDI integration, message agent technology and message transformation, as well as managed host service and enhanced applications. By implementing BizTalk Server, the infrastructure for all of Kewill's next generation of e-commerce solutions becomes based on Extensible Markup Language (XML) technology. Kewill plans to offer these new innovative e-commerce solutions this Spring. The BizTalk initiative represents the collective set of investments that Microsoft is making to facilitate business process integration within and between organizations using Internet-standard protocols and formats. It includes the BizTalk Framework, various cross-industry investments including the BizTalk.org business document library, as well as products and tools for developing, executing and managing distributed business processes. These investments are being made in conjunction with industry standards groups, technology and service providers, as well as key global organizations. Introduced in March 1999, the BizTalk Framework makes it easy for businesses to exchange information between software applications and conduct business over the Internet with trading partners and customers. The BizTalk Framework includes an open design framework for implementing an XML schema and a set of XML tags used in messages sent between applications. Microsoft, other software companies and industry-standards bodies will use the BizTalk Framework to produce XML schemas in a consistent manner to enable integration across industries and between business systems, independent of operating system, programming model or programming language." See BizTalk Framework."

  • [March 29, 2000] "XML Pioneer Releases New Version of Leading Financial Server for OFX, FIXML." - "XML Protocol technology pioneer, Innovision Corporation, released a new version of its key business-to-business communication technology, Innovision Financial Server. Leading technology innovators, including MSDW Online, A.G. Edwards, Mellon Bank and Dain Rauscher, are currently implementing Innovision Financial Server Version 1.6.2. Based upon Innovision's Nepal Technology infrastructure, Innovision Financial Server 1.6.2 allows financial institutions to support emerging XML-based applications, as well as popular OFX-based applications. Version 1.6.2 also allows account holders to communicate with their financial institution via fully secured e-mail, eliminating privacy issues presented by standard e-mail that is copied through a network. Current deployments of Innovision Financial Server are focused on bill payment, account aggregation, and investment portfolio tracking for both discount and full-service brokerage firms. Nepal connects software's disparate cultures and landscapes using XML Protocol technology. Innovision Financial Server, an XML Protocol server, is the company's first system summit within Nepal. Nepal represents Innovision's technology vision of a definitive structure for systems, protocols and frameworks. Innovision has protocol implementation and development environments for XML Protocols OFX and FIXML. Other XML Protocols, found within Nepal, are available on OpenBox, an online laboratory that provides early access to technologies developed by Innovision. Innovision Corporation is recognized as a pioneer in the development and application of XML Protocol technologies, including the groundbreaking introduction of OFX and FIXML protocol engines. As a leading developer of software solutions that shape data interchange standards, Innovision helps corporations reduce technology costs, expand market reach and meet complex interoperability challenges. See OpenBox Laboratory. Also: "Open Financial Exchange (OFX/OFE)."

  • [March 29, 2000] "Business Engine Announces the General Availability of the Business Engine Network. Internet-based Software Facilitates Resource and Initiative Management and Links Buyers and Sellers of Services Through a Business-to-Business eCommerce Hub." - "Business Engine Software Corporation, a leading supplier of e-business solutions for global IT, R&D and professional service organizations, today announced the availability of The Business Engine Network. The Business Engine Network is an end-to-end, Internet-based solution that links buyers and sellers of professional services in a seamless net-marketplace. The Business Engine Network combines Web-based applications for managing internal service organizations that purchase services with professional service organizations that sell services in a business-to-business commerce hub. The Business Engine Network leverages the success of the company's enterprise applications for managing IT and R&D service organizations, which have been installed at over 150 Global 2000 customers including Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, Eli Lilly, Fidelity, The Gap, Merck, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Nokia, Quintiles, Roche, Sears and Siemens. The Business Engine Network is the first complete net market solution for sourcing, delivery and management of professional services. Online sales of services are projected to grow to $220 billion by 2003 according to Forrester Research Inc., of Cambridge, Mass. Leveraging XML technology and designing the product around the Microsoft BizTalk Framework architecture, The Business Engine Network allows global customers to automate the service procurement cycle, transferring business documents and information automatically between applications. Unlike applications for the e-procurement of products, The Business Engine Network continues to provide value after the contract is signed by managing the relationship between the service buyer and seller. The outcome is a streamlined process for both buyer and seller, resulting in significant savings in efficiency that translates into reduced costs for buyers and higher margins for sellers. Plus, by using open XML schemas, the system is available for every member of the service supply chain to use The Business Engine Network to seamlessly manage their relationship with their trading partner."

  • [March 29, 2000] "OnDisplay Demonstrates Leadership in B2B Integration with Shipment of the Industry's First Free B2B XML Server. Announcing General Availability of XML Connect. Intelisys, TIBCO, J.D. Edwards and Calico Voice Support, Beta Users Applaud New Product." - "OnDisplay, Inc., a leading provider of Internet infrastructure software for powering e-business sites, today announced the general availability of XML Connect. XML Connect is a free, business-to-business, XML-based server for organizations that need to establish secure, guaranteed exchange of critical business transactions with trading partners. This new product enables the exchange of XML business documents -- such as purchase orders, invoices, and order confirmations -- seamlessly and securely with any other XML Connect user, as well as with users of OnDisplay's CenterStage eBizXchange product. The new product can be downloaded from the XML Connect Web site, www.xmlconnect.net, and is the industry's first XML server to support all of the XML schemas on the market and is the only product that allows B2B e-commerce participants to set up secure connections with trading partners without the need to purchase and install proprietary software on both ends of the trading partner connection. Launched in limited partner release on February 3, XML Connect has already garnered support from such industry leaders as, W.W. Grainger, iPlanet Ecommerce Solutions (the Sun-Netscape Alliance), Manugistics, OrderTrust, PurchasePro.com, SciQuest.com, TPN Register and Vignette. Additionally, XML Connect has the endorsement of the three leading EDI providers in the world -- Harbinger, Sterling Commerce and GE Information Services... In conjunction with the availability of this product, OnDisplay is also launching XMLConnect.net, a B2B community portal found at http://www.xmlconnect.net. This portal was specifically created to become a destination site for the convergence of the B2B and XML Connect community. The community portal will offer a place to interact with trading partners, exchange ideas and access resources for learning more about the power of Internet ubiquity and the mass adoption of XML and XML Connect."

  • [March 29, 2000] "GetThere Application Network Ties Corporate Travel to Business-to-Business Framework. GetThere Teams With Industry Leaders to Link B2B Travel With Major Systems In Expense Reporting and B2B Commerce." - "GetThere.com, Inc., a leading provider of Internet-based business-to-business travel procurement systems, today announced the GetThere Application Network. The Application Network includes a new XML standard interface to link B2B applications with GetThere's Internet travel procurement system. Also a part of the Application Network, GetThere is teaming with several industry leaders to establish open communication between their systems and the GetThere Exchange, including Ariba, Captura, Concur Technologies, Extensity, and Gelco. The GetThere Application Network provides corporations with a seamless path to integrate their GetThere online travel procurement system with applications such as human resources management, expense management and other B2B commerce systems, using a standards-based extensible mark-up language (XML) interface. As an example of an integrated solution, corporate users booking their travel online can automatically populate an expense report with the travel expense information. After adding other expenses from the trip, the traveler sends the electronic report for approvals and reimbursement. In a different scenario, corporations that have had success with employees adopting Internet travel procurement can begin adding procurement of other goods or services in the same familiar portal on the company's intranet. .. The new GetThere Application Network includes an interface that enables seamless integration between the GetThere's travel procurement system and other business applications. It uses XML as the standard language between GetThere and other systems, and adds special features, such as expense report pre-population, data streaming, enhanced reporting and authentication/security, as well as user profile synchronization. The Open Travel Alliance (OTA) XML-based interface is a core component of the GetThere Application Network. GetThere and many of its partners are members of the OTA, which seeks to create and promote industry standards for data exchange in the travel industry. GetThere is promoting development of the OTA standard across the industry, ensuring interoperability between travel procurement applications and other leading enterprise applications." For related information, see OpenTravel Alliance (OTA)."

  • [March 29, 2000] "Web Standards Project Praises IE5/Mac. Urges Microsoft to 'Finish the Job'." - "The Web Standards Project (WaSP) today praised Microsoft's thorough implementation of HTML 4 and CSS 1 in the Macintosh version of Internet Explorer 5. However, the WaSP cautioned that no browser can be considered fully standards-compliant until it supports XML and the DOM, and the group urged Microsoft to take IE5/Mac to the next level. 'IE5/Mac offers the highest real-world standards compliance of any browser yet shipped,' said group leader Jeffrey Zeldman, who also praised the browser for focusing on accessibility. 'An innovative Text Zoom feature allows the visually impaired to increase the size of type on a Web page,' Zeldman noted. 'Web users will no longer be penalized for the poor authoring practices of some developers.' The WaSP had further praise for the browser's novel ``DOCTYPE''-sensitive rendering strategy, which delivers outstanding HTML4/CSS1 compliance or emulation of many older, nonstandard behaviors at the Web designer's discretion. But along with the applause, the group reminded Microsoft that meaningfully complete standards compliance must include support for XML 1.0 and the DOM 1 Core. The Web Standards Project is an international grassroots coalition of Web developers and users fighting for standards on the Web, by calling attention to browser incompatibilities that fragment the medium, prevent many people from using the Web, and add 25% to the cost of developing all sites. The WaSP urges all browser manufacturers to support existing standards before incorporating proprietary innovations, and is working to educate Web authors and Web-related software developers so that we may create a Web that works for everyone."

  • [March 28, 2000] "Software AG and SCO to Deliver the World's First XML Database Solution for UnixWare 7." - "Software AG and SCO today announced a joint initiative to deliver a cutting-edge XML database solution for e-businesses currently operating in the UNIX environment. The solution, based on Software AG's Tamino and SCO's award-winning UnixWare 7 operating system, will provide customers with a complete solution for developing, managing and publishing XML applications to a wide variety of electronic business applications. This integrated solution will be preconfigured and tailored for delivery through SCO and Software AG partners. The rapid growth in Web applications such as electronic commerce, Web portals, knowledge management and customer relationship management is fueling demand for XML applications. Software AG's product, Tamino, the world's fastest and first native XML server, is the ideal server for XML information because it can store, integrate and exchange data directly in XML native format. Tamino guarantees high performance and scalability since no extra layer is needed for data conversion to and from XML. With this initiative, the scope and breadth of XML applications based on UnixWare 7 will be expanded to enterprises of all sizes. Software AG and SCO plan to have the joint solution in the marketplace during the third quarter of 2000."

  • [March 28, 2000] "Entrust Technologies Lays XML Security Foundation for the Growth of B2B e-Commerce. Integrated XML Security Solutions from Entrust Encrypt and Digitally Sign XML Documents Sent Over the Internet." - "Entrust Technologies, Inc., global leader for solutions that bring trust to e-business, announced today its comprehensive set of solutions for XML security that enable organizations to accelerate the growth of business-to-business (B2B) transactions. Today's announcement further emphasizes Entrust's position as the global leader in bringing trust to e-business relationships by securing B2B Internet transactions and communications. Entrust is the first PKI vendor to offer XML security integrated with its solutions to help accelerate the burgeoning B2B e-commerce market. XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is the common, open, Internet standard that eases data exchange over the Internet. It is the language of B2B e-commerce. Enabling new distribution channels for products and services, XML eliminates technical incompatibilities by providing a uniform method for data interchange between systems. However, high value B2B transactions require comprehensive, integrated security that integrates with XML. Entrust's new set of solutions for XML security extend the XML framework to offer an integrated solution that is ideal for B2B transactions and communications. Entrust Technologies is committed to the growth and adoption of XML standards to further accelerate the growth of B2B e-commerce. Along with PureEdge Solutions Inc., and other leading vendors, Entrust is a contributing author to the XML digital signature standard spearheaded by W3C. Entrust has the tools available today to enable support for this new standard once ratified. Entrust B2B solutions integrate XML security for Web, e-mail, Virtual Private Networking (VPN), File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and third-party applications, building on Entrust's market-leading family of toolkits. Specifically, Entrust's solutions for XML security enable organizations to: (1) Secure XML documents sent over the Internet, intranets and extranets via SSL, e-mail, VPN, and FTP; (2) Digitally sign XML documents such as InternetForms as provided by PureEdge Solutions; (3) Encrypt XML documents."

  • [March 28, 2000] "Extensibility Inc. and VSI Announce Joint XML Development and Marketing Initiative." - "VSI (V-Systems Inc.) and Extensibility Inc. of Chapel Hill, N.C., Tuesday announced an agreement to tightly integrate and market the trial version of Extensibility's leading XML Authority product with VSI's Breeze XML Studio. Together the products provide a streamlined solution for e-business developers using Breeze XML Studio to generate Java API code directly from schema structures produced by XML Authority. Breeze XML Studio has a natural synergy with XML Authority as it moves schema directly into the Java programmer's realm by generating JavaBeans that are bound directly to the XML structures, elements and attributes described using Extensibility's product. [...] Extensibility provides designing environments that accelerate the conversion, creation and management of e-business grammars. Thousands of organizations, including industry initiatives such as BizTalk, FpML, HR-XML and Acord use XML Authority(TM) and XMLschema.com to build Internet ready business and industry grammars for next generation e-business applications. Extensibility is a strategic partner with leading companies such as Microsoft, Commerce One, Software AG, Quark and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Based in Chapel Hill, the company was founded in 1998 and is an active member of the W3C -- Schema Working Group and OASIS."

  • [March 28, 2000] "Netfish Launches Products to Supercharge B2B Trading Portals. Leading Portal Operators Adopt Netfish's New Platform for Creating Next-Generation Marketplaces." - " Netfish Technologies, Inc. today announced the creation of a new business unit and a strategic direction to deliver the Netfish XDI eProcess platform, a unique set of business tools and services that enable trading portal operators to transform their current B2B e-commerce marketplaces into next-generation process hubs. Using the XDI eProcess platform, portal operators can quickly move beyond existing buy/sell transactions and begin offering their enterprise customers complete supply chain solutions that integrate catalog-based procurement with back-end product delivery and fulfillment processes. The XDI eProcess platform is the key to automating core business processes, as well as integrating portals with existing internal business systems and data. Netfish today also announced that it had entered into strategic relationships with leading portal operators, Freightquote.com, Postgirot Bank AB, SendOrder.com, RetailMetro.com, WorldCatch.com and Quasar Exchange to deploy the XDI eProcess platform. [...] The XDI eProcess platform offers a complete solution that makes it easy for portal operators to implement and administer advanced B2B services. At the core of the system, the Netfish XDI Process Hub builds on Netfish's back-end integration and collaborative workflow technology to enable end-to-end B2B process integration. The Process Hub is supported by a resource library of industry specific XML business documents, an update service for the resource library, open distributed directory services, end-to-end security for B2B transactions and customizable trading partner profiles and work flows. Combined with the extensive support offered by Netfish's professional service organization, portal operators have everything they need to unify their enterprise customers' incompatible ERP, EAI and EDI systems, facilitate any-to-any electronic business document exchange, ensure end-to-end transaction security over the Internet and automate and manage the workflows for complex B2B transactions."

  • [March 28, 2000] "NeoCore Partners With Bowstreet to Develop High-End XML Index Server. NeoCore's Digital Pattern Processing Technology Enables Blazingly Fast XML Transactions." - "NeoCore, LLC and Bowstreet announce a joint development and marketing initiative to build an XML index server that leverages NeoCore's patented Digital Pattern Processing (DPP) technology for use in association with the Bowstreet(TM) Business Web Factory. The new server is an XML search and retrieval engine designed to deliver the kind of performance, scalability and efficiency necessary to support ultra-high electronic transaction rates in the new economy. Extensible Markup Language, or XML, has become the de facto standard for e-commerce applications. Customers have expressed concern that XML processing will create response time and storage issues on their systems. This product removes those concerns. The jointly developed product will provide a set of database and indexing services that support extremely large XML data sets with instantaneous search access based on any data or tag metadata without regard to data store size. According to Andy Roberts, Bowstreet's chief technology officer, 'One way to think about the power of XML is its heterogeneous and self-describing nature. But these are the very properties you lose when you map XML-encoded data to traditional systems where data is homogeneous. This new product preserves all the benefits of XML, while compressing out all the bloat, and indexing all the data and metadata.' Early performance metrics of the product are significant. Compared to a DOM representation of XML, the NeoCore XML Index Server uses between 10-100 times less memory, and provides searches in milliseconds that would otherwise take hours. The secret to the performance metrics lies in the ability of DPP to reduce deeply structured XML tag sequences to singularities, or Icons. This enables arbitrarily high compression of the XML data, as well as nearly instantaneous lookup time against large XML repositories of a gigabyte or more. Typical applications for the product are trading webs that aggregate large amounts of XML data from different sources. For example, companies are building global trading webs to provide services for locating and purchasing Excess Parts Inventory coming from a large number of product sectors. For these sites, there is no need to convert all the XML data to a common schema. Instead, the trading webs can simply support inventory descriptions in multiple and varying formats, while providing instant lookup across all schemas, to any depth. Under the terms of the agreement, Bowstreet and NeoCore will co-market the NeoCore XML Index Server in conjunction with Bowstreet's Business Web Factory. NeoCore will retain license rights from Bowstreet to distribute 10 session evaluation versions of its Business Web Factory, and will receive royalties on sales of the XML Index Server from Bowstreet." ['NeoCore was founded in 1996 by a group of computing and networking business veterans to bring Digital Pattern Processing to market. Digital Pattern Processing represents a breakthrough in how computers can search for and process data matches. This capability is finding acceptance in network security, network management and multiple other applications, including providing index server solutions for XML networks.]

  • [March 28, 2000] "eXcelon Corporation Ships Stylus 2.0. Industry's First and Only XSL Editor for Building eBusiness Applications Has Enhanced Feature Set and Functionality." - "eXcelon Corporation, a global provider of innovative eBusiness products and services, today announced that Stylus 2.0, a revolutionary eXtensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) editing tool is now shipping. Stylus 2.0 makes it easy for developers to create XSL stylesheets, giving them the freedom to transform XML into HTML for presentation on the Web, and into other XML formats for exchange with business partners. Stylus 2.0 is the industry's first and only professional editing tool for building next-generation eBusiness applications. Stylus 2.0 includes a number of new features, including What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) drag and drop editing. This allows developers to quickly and easily create stylesheets without any knowledge of XSL or HTML tags. The product is compliant with the final XSLT recommendation and has built-in support for international character sets, which makes the product viable for use in Japan and other foreign language countries. Stylus also includes one-click debugging that makes maintaining sophisticated stylesheets possible for the first time. Stylus 2.0 is available now on the eXcelon Corp. Web site at www.exceloncorp.com. The product costs $199. Stylus 2.0 is available both as a stand-alone tool, and as part of the tool set for eXcelon 2.0 Dynamic Application Platform (DAP), the powerful platform for building and deploying XML-based eBusiness applications."

  • [March 28, 2000] "Arbortext Introduces 'Extend' ASP Deployment Support for e-Content Software. FutureLink's Server-Based Computing Services Enable Reduced Deployment Time, Increased Flexibility." - "Arbortext, Inc., a leading provider of XML-based e-Content software, today announced the release of Extend, a set of software and services that support Application Service Provider (ASP) deployment of its XML-based e-Content management system. Today's announcement makes Arbortext the first company to support browser-based use of content management software that allows customers to create, personalize, deliver and share rich business-critical content. Arbortext has identified FutureLink, an application service provider and a supplier of server-based computing solutions to help implement the rollout of Extend. Extend enables companies to utilize Arbortext software who might otherwise be unable to do so because of out-dated equipment, lack of technical support, or cost of ownership. Arbortext's software can either be hosted on its customer's servers or on a third-party Web hosting service, and is accessible using a standard browser or a thin client. The software runs on a variety of desktops, including Windows, Macintosh, DOS, UNIX, Java and OS/2 Warp."

  • [March 28, 2000] "IBM Introduces Open, End-to-End B2B and E-marketplaces Strategy More than 10,000 B2B Customer Engagements." - "IBM today announced its software strategy to help businesses quickly connect to customers, suppliers, business partners and e-marketplaces. As part of the announcement, IBM introduced its WebSphere B2B Integrator software, which combines technologies from IBM's integration and transaction software and is based on open XML technology. WebSphere B2B Integrator will be built on IBM's WebSphere application server, its industry-leading MQSeries messaging software and open XML technology for the exchange of e-contracts called tpaML. IBM provides the leading software in the industry in support of each of the key areas for B2B e-commerce. For example, IBM software systems support 30 billion transactions a day; industry analysts rate IBM's integration software as the industry leader; and IDC rated IBM's e-commerce software as the license share leader in the industry. IBM's B2B software strategy takes advantage of this experience and technology leadership. IBM's open, B2B software strategy enables businesses to integrate their own computing systems -- linking operations such as supply chain management and logistics -- with their trading partners' systems. For this reason, IBM's middleware forms the software platform for IBM's recent alliance with i2 and Ariba, which adds procurement and supply chain management integration. Other business partners like Siebel, MAPICS, Synquest and others add to this open scalable integration capability. The strategy is based on IBM's unique experience in B2B, as the company has already worked with more than 10,000 customers of all sizes, including Goodyear North America, Staples, Chemdex, SciQuest, e-Chemicals and a wide variety of others around the world. Unlike other piece-part vendors, IBM's strategy incorporates a complete selection of software to support the two major components of B2B e-commerce: core B2B processes and the integration of those processes with those of trading partners. Businesses need Web-based applications and middleware to run their core processes -- such as the buying and selling of goods and services, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supply Chain Management (SCM) and others. In addition, businesses need software and services to integrate with trading partners."

  • [March 28, 2000] "Oracle Adds Schema Processor to XML Developer's Kit to Speed Development of Online Exchanges. New Component Gives Business-To-Business Application Developers Access to Emerging Standard for XML Data Integration." - "Oracle Corp., the largest provider of software for e-business, today announced the Oracle XML Schema Processor for Java, the latest component in the Oracle XML Developer's Kit (Oracle XDK). The Oracle XML Schema Processor automatically ensures the validity of Extensible Markup Language (XML) documents and data used in e-business applications, including online exchanges. The new component supports both simple and complex data types for the processing and validation of XML Schemas, and is based on the latest working draft of the XML Schema standard from the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C). The XML Schema Processor is the latest addition to the Oracle XML Developer's Kit, and is planned to conform to the final W3C XML Schema specifications once available. The Oracle XDK provides a comprehensive set of components for quickly and easily delivering XML-enabled applications for e-business. The XDK includes XML parsers for Java, C, C++ and PL/SQL, XSLT Processor, XML Class Generator, XML Transviewer JavaBeans and the new XML Schema Processor. Developers can use the Oracle XDK components on the client, application server and database tiers of their application. When run inside Oracle8i(tm), data-intensive XML applications can achieve optimal scalability and performance. The latest release of the Oracle XDK can be immediately down loaded free-of-charge from Oracle Technology Network (OTN). In the past four months, over 15,000 XML developers worldwide have downloaded the Oracle XDK from OTN."

  • [March 28, 2000] "Oracle Announces Industry's First Development Tool With End-to-End XML Support. Latest Release of Oracle JDeveloper Will Equip Application Developers To Lead Business-to-Business Exchange Revolution." - "Oracle Corp., the largest provider of software for ebusiness, today announced the latest release of Oracle JDeveloper with Business Components for Java. This latest version offers end-to-end support for Extensible Markup Language (XML), a foundation technology for business-to-business exchanges. With JDeveloper Version 3.1, Oracle is the first to deliver an integrated, full-featured application development tool for building and deploying applications in Java and XML. Developers will be able to use JDeveloper to build, debug and deploy Internet applications that create and process XML data and documents. In just four months, almost 50,000 developers have downloaded the prior version of JDeveloper from the Oracle Technology Network (OTN). Oracle JDeveloper 3.1 simplifies the task of working with Java application code and XML data and documents at the same time. It features color-coded syntax highlighting for XML and built-in syntax checking for XML and Extensible Style Sheet Language (XSL). With the included XML Structured Query Language (XSQL) Pages support, developers will be able to edit and debug Oracle XSQL Pages, Java programs that can query the database and return formatted XML, or insert XML into the database without writing code. The integrated servlet engine will allow developers to view the XML output generated by their Java code in the same environment as their program source, making it easy to do rapid, iterative development and testing. JDeveloper's tight integration with Oracle8i and Oracle Application Server will also help improve productivity by allowing developers to remotely debug Java/XML programs running on either server. JDeveloper will also allow Java developers to produce, develop and debug multi-tier Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) applications and remotely debug Java components in any web server or application server through its support of the J2EE Platform Debugging Interface (JDI). The tool also includes Oracle's XML Parser for Java Extensible Style Sheet Language Transformation (XSLT) Processor, and related JavaBeans components that make it easy to do drag-and-drop XML development."

  • [March 28, 2000] "Novell Announces Open Beta of DirXML Technology. Links and Manages Business-Critical Data Across One Net." - Extending the foundation of its DENIM architecture, Novell, Inc. today announced the open beta availability of the DirXML technology. Scheduled for general release this summer, DirXML enables organizations to easily link and manage user profiles across divergent platforms and networks. As a result, organizations can reduce network management and administration costs while helping to build and maintain loyalty among business clients and partners by simplifying management of common data. Leveraging Novell's industry-leading eDirectory, DirXML seamlessly links and manages all places where user profile information is stored, including software applications, network operating systems, databases and network devices. DirXML is the first directory-based technology that not only brings all data together, but also keeps control of information with the individual departments that own the data. This enables organizations to distribute data ownership while centralizing information availability. DirXML connects data without the need to modify existing software, thereby allowing organizations to build on their existing technology investments. And by providing centralized control over profile data, organizations can react quickly to business changes and reduce the need to hire staff to administer multiple user account directories and databases. DirXML opens up a variety of opportunities for enhanced solutions that extend the power of a full-service directory. DirXML will be a key technology in Novell Consulting's eBusiness practices and ties together objects from multiple existing applications and directories to provide highly secure eBusiness solutions for supply-chain partners and a variety of organizations across the Net."

  • [March 28, 2000] "Novell BrainShare 2000 Announcements." Today, during Novell's 16th annual BrainShare. conference, the company announced new products and services that support its Net services strategy of securing and powering Net-based business. The announcements include: (1) "Novell Announces Blueprint for Net Economy Software" --All Novell products will now be mapped against a new architectural model, code-named DENIM (Directory-enabled Net Infrastructure Model), that provides a customer-centric, eBusiness-focused framework for deploying directory-enabled products and services. (2) "Novell Announces Open Beta of DirXML Technology Links and Manages Business Critical Data Across One Net" -- Novell today announced the open beta availability for the DirXML technology, enabling organizations to easily link and manage user profiles across divergent platforms and networks. (3) "Novell Announces Immediate Availability of Enterprise-Ready Product, instantme; Free Instant Messaging Client Lets Users Communicate in Real-Time on the Net" --Targeted at businesses, instantme extends the ability for users to communicate in real-time with partners, suppliers and customers. . . ."

  • [March 24, 2000] "Aah ... XML (and Paris) in June. GCA Announces Details of XML Europe." - "The Graphic Communications Association (GCA) has announced details of its upcoming XML Europe 2000 Conference. 'The Many Faces of XML' will take place from 12-16 June 2000 at Le Palais Des Congres in Paris, France. 'Whether you have been using XML and SGML and need to know the latest developments, or you are new to the use of XML and want a complete picture,' explained GCA President Norman Scharpf, 'XML Europe 2000 is the multi-faceted event you should attend. This is the 18th GCA conference to be held in Europe. GCA has long been a pioneer in markup technologies, and our experience and expertise make this conference the premier international XML event.' Full- and half-day tutorials will help XML newcomers and will provide opportunities for experts to explore key subjects in more depth. Up to six concurrent tracks running throughout the conference's four days, as well as the eighteen (18) concurrent tutorials held on Monday 12 June, will examine the many faces of XML and related standards. Experts in a range of technical and industry areas will discuss traditional uses of these standards (documents, data, etc.) and newer applications such as eBusiness and the use of XML to describe software processes. The conference will focus in part on core technologies. Delegates can learn more on the status of standards promulgated by ISO, W3C, OASIS and IDEAlliance. Examples include the DOM, Schemas, Topic Maps, XSL, XLink and XPointer. A particular area of interest will be progress on the vocabulary and registration work undertaken by XML.org. There are also applications based on core technologies, including how XML is being applied to specific vertical industries (education, finance, health, insurance, news services, publishing, and travel.) and to topics that affect many industries, such as eBusiness, graphics, knowledge management, and software engineering. This year's opening plenary begins with Jeanne El Andaloussi of AIS, who will introduce a roadmap to the wide array of foundation, horizontal, and vertical application standards. Two large XML users will provide insight into how XML is changing their businesses. Christian Lienert of SAP will discuss SAP's current use of XML and vision for its future in eCommerce. Kenneth M. Brooks, Jr. of Barnes and Noble will discuss the use of XML in trade book publishing, where the company is merging two types of workflow to create a highly successful digital printing operation using XML."

  • [March 24, 2000] "INTERLINQ Partners With Freddie Mac to Utilize XML Standard. Mortgage Lenders Can Expect More Efficient E-commerce, Loan Processing." - INTERLINQ Software Corporation today expanded its partnership with Freddie Mac by supporting the XML standard when using Loan Prospector. on the Internet. By using a common denominator, lenders and brokers can maintain better control and efficiency over loan data sent to Freddie Mac for automated underwriting and information services. Once the standards are fully implemented later this year, lenders and brokers can use INTERLINQ's MortgageWare. loan origination and processing solutions to access Freddie Mac's XML-enabled Loan Prospector on the Internet. Under the partnership, INTERLINQ and Freddie Mac will continue to work closely to deliver increased e-commerce to lenders, brokers and wholesalers. 'Having a common XML underwriting standard will allow Freddie Mac to work with technology companies such as INTERLINQ to bring enhancements to our automated underwriting service more quickly and easily,' said Jim Cotton, Freddie Mac's vice president of customer support. 'Our lending customers will now be able to receive program updates and enhancements immediately by simply accessing them via the Internet, enjoying significant time and cost savings as a result.' Freddie Mac is a stockholder-owned corporation established by Congress in 1970 to create a continuous flow of funds to mortgage lenders in support of home ownership and rental housing. Freddie Mac purchases mortgages from lenders and packages them into securities that are sold to investors. Over the years, Freddie Mac has opened doors for one in six homebuyers in America. INTERLINQ Software Corporation, established in 1982, is a leading provider of technology that helps organizations effectively manage complex, information-intensive business transactions. The company's mortgage technology division provides business solutions to approximately 2,000 financial institutions at 7,000 sites. Customers include banks, savings institutions, mortgage banks, mortgage brokers, and credit unions, including a number of the top 100 originators. INTERLINQ's enterprise technology division provides process-centered, enterprise application integration (EAI) solutions both directly and through third-party application developers, OEMs and system integrators."

  • [March 24, 2000] "Suppliers Demonstrate Implementation of Standards Developed by NEMI's Virtual Factory Project. Netfish Technologies and Agile Software Demonstrate New Technology Aimed At Automating and Standardizing the Exchange of Technical Engineering And Manufacturing Data for Improved Data Integrity and Shorter Cycle Times." - "The National Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (NEMI) today announced that its Virtual Factory Information Interchange Project (VFIIP) has successfully demonstrated the use of a candidate NEMI/IPC standard to support the electronic exchange of engineering and manufacturing information across the supply chain. Two project participants -- Netfish Technologies, Inc., a leader in XML-based business-to-business e-commerce solutions, and Agile Software, a leading supplier of business-to-business collaborative manufacturing commerce solutions -- used the proposed VFIIP Product Data Exchange (PDX) standard to exchange data over the Internet in a simulated transaction between an OEM and an electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider. 'This demonstration highlights the benefits of automating and standardizing the exchange of data within the electronics manufacturing supply chain. It also shows the effectiveness of a collaborative effort among companies within the supply chain to develop and implement standards that will benefit the industry as a whole,'' stated Jim McElroy, executive director and CEO of NEMI. 'Even though the Virtual Factory Project is a relatively new project, we already have a couple of supplier companies that are beginning to implement the standards that the group is generating.' The demonstration, shown at IPC's recent Electronics Assembly Process Exhibition and Conference (APEX), utilized PDX to transfer a complete product definition package across the Internet in a simulated exchange between an OEM and an EMS provider. The PDX standard (IPC 2571) was developed by the VFIIP team to facilitate transactions between supply chain partners such as quoting, production, product configuration, test and kit interactions. PDX is one of a suite of IPC standards aimed at enabling a robust and flexible mechanism for supply chain communications." See also [from March 06, 2000] "NEMI Launches 'Virtual Factory' Project to Standardize Information Exchange Across the Supply Chain." ['NEMI has become a coalition partner of RosettaNet and is collaborating with the group on development of standard electronic business interfaces. The Virtual Factory Project will utilize the structure and methodology of RosettaNet to develop and deploy solutions. RosettaNet will promote the use of the data interchange standards resulting from collaborative efforts between the two groups.'] For PDX description, see "Product Definition Exchange (PDX)."

  • [March 24, 2000] "recruitsoft.com Joins HR-XML Consortium." - recruitsoft.com, creator of the world's most advanced Internet-based Hiring Management System (HMS), announced that it has joined the HR-XML Consortium. This newly-formed non-profit organization is dedicated to the development and promotion of standardized HR-related extensible markup language (XML) vocabularies designed to enable the worldwide exchange of HR data. The HR-XML Consortium is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of standardized human-resources-related XML vocabularies for enabling e-commerce and inter-company exchanges of human resources data worldwide. The Consortium is open to all interested parties, but membership is targeted to software vendors, employers, HR service suppliers, non-profit HR-related associations, and human resource professionals." For description, see "HR-XML Consortium."

  • [March 24, 2000] "Pinacor Launches Seamless Business-to-Business Reseller Platform for the Digital Marketplace. Distributor delivers Pinacor Connect -- first XML-based e-business platform for real-time order management systems." - "Pinacor, Inc., a leading distributor of technology products and services, has launched Pinacor Connect, a seamless XML-based order management platform for resellers. Pinacor Connect provides a back-end systems integration platform that creates a direct Internet link between Pinacor and its resellers for product pricing, availability, status and order placement capabilities. The e-business platform is full-featured, flexible, easy to implement, and available free of charge for Pinacor's resellers. Pinacor is the first full-line technology distributor to implement a complete real-time XML-based order management tool for resellers. Pinacor Connect, built on technology created by Eleris, a B2B e-commerce software company, extends the company's strategy to use e-business tools to streamline technology procurement for customers, thereby reducing costs increasing supply chain efficiencies. Pinacor Connect's business-to-business XML platform integrates with resellers' order management systems to create a real-time Internet link to supply chain information without using a Web browser. Pinacor Connect automatically transmits requests for product information straight from the reseller's standard order management system through the Internet to Pinacor and back, with no manual input required. The XML platform provides back-end integration into Pinacor's comprehensive digital marketplace, which supplies information about available inventory at multiple warehouses and procurement sources. Resellers can also use Pinacor Connect to update their own Web storefronts with real-time product price and availability information. Pinacor Connect uses Extensible Markup Language (XML), the common standard for secure electronic commerce transactions. XML has been embraced as a standard platform for e-business transactions by the industry's major IT vendors and users, including IBM and Microsoft. XML's common language interface enables Pinacor Connect to reach beyond the reseller's system to create visibility into the entire supply chain pipeline. Resellers can implement Pinacor Connect into their end-user customers' locations for single touch order management. In addition, Pinacor's suppliers will soon be able to use Pinacor Connect to process real-time order invoices, and Pinacor's inventory financing partners will be able to process real-time reseller credit approvals."

  • [March 23, 2000] "IFX Forum's Global Initiative Creates XML Architecture for Online Financial Transactions." - "The Interactive Financial Exchange (IFX) Forum, established to integrate interoperable and online financial transactions around the world, is accelerating the widespread adoption of Extensible Markup Language (XML) message specifications, ultimately providing the retail consumer with enhanced financial services products and value added applications. Released early this year, the IFX Forum's proposed business message specification, Version 1.0.1, will complete an initial 60-day public review. The IFX Version 1.0.1 specification, with accompanying document type definition (DTD), the XML overview and data dictionary is scheduled for release March 24, 2000, for a final 30-day member and public review with approval expected April 26, 2000. The IFX Forum is developing specifications that facilitate such financial services as global online banking and bill presentment and payment within the financial services market. An active player in the insurance industry, the IFX Forum formed a cooperative relationship with ACORD, the nonprofit insurance standards organization. ACORD sits on the IFX Forum Steering Committee and currently contributes property and casualty business messages based on the IFX XML architecture. In addition to the insurance work group, the IFX Forum is comprised of four additional work groups, including electronic bill presentment and payment, XML implementation, server-to-server, and business banking. Currently under development are the investments and securities and loan applications work groups along with the Open Financial Exchange (OFX)-to-IFX conversion task group, charged with identifying migration issues. The IFX Forum boasts an active Board of Directors, comprised of leading e-commerce representatives from AT&T Corp., Bank of America, BITS, CheckFree Corporation, Citigroup, N.A., EDS, FleetBoston Financial, IBM Corporation, Integrion Financial Network, Intuit Inc., Just in Time Solutions, Microsoft Corporation, PaineWebber Incorporated, S1 Corporation, and Wells Fargo Company, and receives managerial support from the Data Interchange Standards Association. The IFX Forum, open for worldwide participation, was founded to provide a variety of benefits for financial services companies and their customers and focuses on promoting the development and adoption of the IFX specification. The IFX Forum members develop open and interoperable specifications that meet the Financial Services Industry business requirements for serving consumer and corporate customers. The mission of the IFX Forum's open membership is to expedite the development and implementation of the IFX specification, which defines the business message format for the electronic exchange of data. Membership in the IFX Forum is open to organizations from around the world, such as financial institutions, banks, brokerages, billers, insurance companies and vendors." For description and references, see "Interactive Financial Exchange (IFX)."

  • [March 23, 2000] "eXcelon Corporation Joins B2B Industry Leaders in OAGI Vendor Challenge. Company to Demonstrate Interoperability of eXcelon B2B Product Family with OAGI Standards." - "eXcelon Corp., a global provider of innovative eBusiness products and services, today announced its participation in The Open Applications Group (OAGI) Vendor Challenge. As a participant in the OAGI Vendor Challenge, eXcelon Corporation will demonstrate the interoperability of its B2B solutions with OAGI standards and will highlight its expertise in enabling companies to seamlessly exchange business data with partners and customers. The OAGI Customer Council has issued this challenge in an effort to encourage vendors to deliver e-commerce solutions that are interoperable, standards-based, and can be implemented in the near term. Members of the OAGI Customer Council, including AT&T Wireless, Boeing, DHL, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Ingersoll-Rand, Kraft Foods, Lockheed Martin and Lucent Technologies, plan to implement B2B e-commerce strategies using products that support OAGI standards. Vendors who complete the challenge by June 30, 2000 will showcase their products at Canopy International's eBusiness integration laboratory in Boston. Members of the press, industry analysts, and other interested parties will be invited to view the live demonstration. The products will also be shown at exhibitions and conferences to be announced later. eXcelon Corporation's B2B product family consists of three components. The eXcelon Dynamic Application Platform 2.0, is a powerful XML-based development platform for building and deploying dynamic eBusiness applications, enabling universal exchange, aggregation and management of business content between corporations and trading communities. This powerful product aggregates, personalizes and delivers business content, while at the same time linking buyers and suppliers with one another. eXcelon B2B Integration Server delivers dynamic B2B solutions for enterprises that want to broaden their partner base and integrate these partners with new and existing business processes. eXcelon eSolutions is a suite of frameworks and components for vertical industry solutions. Built upon the eXcelon B2B Integration Server, these solutions target the insurance, retail, manufacturing and telecommunications industries."

  • [March 22, 2000] "First American Supports New Technology For Information Exchange. Works to Standardize Industry Definitions for XML." - "The First American Financial Corporation, a leading provider of business information and related products and services, today announced that it supports standards proposed by the Mortgage Bankers Association of America (MBA) for the adoption of Extensible Markup Language (XML) by the mortgage industry. A proponent of XML standardization, First American has been working closely with the MBA, through the company's participation in the Mortgage Information Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO), to develop a common language for the technology that will allow centralized data to be accessed over the Web. XML is much more flexible than its hypertext cousin HTML, and allows for greater accuracy in describing, categorizing, customizing and delivering information online. Standardized XML will facilitate business-to-business electronic commerce in the industry. It uses a common vocabulary to describe the data elements throughout the online mortgage transaction process, from the loan application to processing and closing. Each of these stages in the transaction can have different data formats. First American and the MBA recognized that a coordinated effort was needed to establish an XML industry standard, because XML without a standard could develop into numerous company-by-company standards. First American has been recognized as a top e-business innovator for its approach to implementing new technologies to meet the rapidly changing needs of its customers. The company currently offers three multi-product systems for electronically accessing critical business data. FASTWeb, an Internet-based product ordering and delivery system with more than 48,000 registered users; FASTDirect, a direct connection between a customer's loan origination system and First American's products and services; and FASTWin, a Windows-based desktop application for product ordering via dial-up modem connection, will all leverage XML standards to provide business-to-business and business-to-consumer e-commerce solutions." For description and references, see (1) "XML-MP: XML Mortgage Partners Framework" and (2) "Mortgage Bankers Association of America XML Workgroup."

  • [March 22, 2000] "Netfish to Offer Built-in Interoperability Using Open Standard XML Messages for OAGI Challenge. Netfish Supports OAGI With Its Industry-Leading XDI Server, Easily Handling Translation to Any New Protocol. - Netfish Technologies, Inc., a leader in XML-based business-to-business e-commerce solutions, today announced that it will join with 19 other software vendors to meet the e-commerce interoperability challenge, issued by end users of the Open Applications Group Inc. (OAGI). The Interoperability Customer Council of the Open Applications Group challenged the vendor members of the OAGI to implement out-of-the-box plug-and-play capability to communicate and interoperate with each other's products in business-to-business e-commerce scenarios using the OAGI's standard XML-based messages. Netfish will meet the OAGI challenge through its industry-leading XDI Server product, which enables companies to use any protocol (RosettaNet PIPs, OAGI BODs, etc.) on a per-transaction basis within the same trading partner. 'Netfish is in full support of the OAGI Vendor Challenge, and XDI Server's ability to easily support this new protocol is an example of XDI Server's 'any-to-any' translation ability,' said Patrick Gannon, vice president of marketing and strategic programs for Netfish. 'Our customers will benefit by being able to communicate more efficiently between applications when sending and receiving OAGI business standard messages.' The business process-based Open Applications Group Integration Specification (OAGIS) Release 6.2 contains the largest set of Extensible Markup Language (XML) Document Type Definition (DTD) files in the world and goes the farthest towards defining the 'digital dial tone' that organizations require to do business in the emerging eWorld. There are currently at least 50 live sites running OAGIS-based XML messages. These sites include many kinds of integration, including eBusiness, Logistics, Financials, and Banking. These OAGI vendor members responded to the OAGI Vendor Challenge that several end-user companies issued, including both OAGI members and non-members; AT&T Wireless, Boeing, DHL, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Ingersoll-Rand, Kraft Foods, Lockheed Martin and Lucent Technologies." See "Open Applications Group."

  • [March 22, 2000] "OnWeb Integrator Optimizes Business-to-Business Applications with XML Support. Customers Reaping Benefits of Leveraging OnWeb Integrator's Support for XML to Enhance eBusiness Strategies." - "NetManage, Inc., a leading supplier of eBusiness access and application integration solutions, today announced that OnWeb Integrator is now being used with XML to provide corporations wiTH standardized and efficient ways of exchanging information between business-to-business applications. OnWeb Integrator's unique business logic engine and superior information access capabilities can use XML technology to standardize management and distribution of information from application to application. OnWeb Integrator's support of XML is being leveraged by several of NetManage's customers to optimize and enhance their eBusiness strategies. J C Bamford Excavators Ltd., a leading supplier of heavy construction machinery, is using OnWeb Integrator with XML in its Web-based dealer management application to quickly exchange data, user sign-ons, dealer codes and dual committed transactions with a separate supporting application. Other NetManage customers who are using the advantages of XML combined with OnWeb Integrator to deliver best-of-breed business-to-business Web applications include one of the world's leading travel services company as well as one of the world's leading automotive manufacturers. OnWeb Integrator allows corporations to integrate heterogeneous data sources into new eBusiness Web applications for the supply and demand chain. In addition to presenting integrated information using HTML or via its COM/ActiveX and JavaBean interfaces, OnWeb Integrator can also present information to other applications in XML format."

    • [March 22, 2000] "HEDNA's Hotel Distribution Expertise Unites with OpenTravel Alliance Initiatives." - "In a overwhelming rally of support, the Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA) joined forces with the OpenTravel Alliance (OTA) to provide a foundation for the hotel contribution to OTA's first draft specification that addresses the complex subject of customer profiles. OTA's version 1 utilized the Hotel Descriptive Content Specifications, created by the Distribution Action Committee of HEDNA. Representing HEDNA membership and maintaining an observer status on the OTA Board of Directors, HEDNA has joined the Alliance and will continue to influence the direction of distribution technology and standards for hotel companies. OTA's version 1, developed in under 10 months and released for 30-day public review Feb. 29, uses Extensible Markup Language (XML) the new high powered language designed for e-business. Representing the specifications for customer profiles, version 1 cuts across all sectors of the travel industry, including hotels, airlines, car rentals and other travel services. Developing version 1 required OTA to work with groups, such as HEDNA, to create a common vocabulary for the travel industry, taking advantage of the flexible nature of XML that allows for later growth if needed. OTA, which only began in May 1999, now has over 100 members representing influential names in all sectors of the travel industry, including air, car rental, hotel, travel agencies, technology providers and related suppliers. The Alliance is comprised of five working groups air, car, hotel, leisure supplier, and non-supplier together with an interoperability committee to coordinate their efforts. OTA defined its open messages with XML, which makes it possible to exchange business data seamlessly among different systems, companies, and industries over the World Wide Web." See "OpenTravel Alliance (OTA)."

  • [March 22, 2000] "Data Interchange Standards Association Joins Forces with Hotel Distribution Industry." - "The Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA) teamed with the Data Interchange Standards Association (DISA) as HEDNA continues to influence and accelerate the direction of distribution technology and standards for hotel companies. HEDNA becomes the latest client in DISA's rapidly growing Collaborative Services division, which supports the exponential growth of the booming e-commerce marketplace, embracing an array of business-to-business technologies. Providing an executive director, management administration and meeting logistics for HEDNA, DISA will also host its web site. HEDNA, comprised of 215 of the most influential companies operating within the hotel distribution industry, is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1991. Promoting and improving the use of travel agent computer systems, HEDNA seeks to automate and streamline the hotel reservation process through the use of GDS and other electronic means. DISA, a Virginia-based not-for-profit association, is the leading provider of educational and networking forums on e-business. Promoting e-commerce in a global marketplace, DISA provides technical and management services to standards and XML specification development organizations, including the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) X12, OTA, the Interactive Financial Exchange Forum, the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization, and the XML/EDI Group. DISA's affiliation with HEDNA, EC User Groups and emerging initiatives around the world facilitates an interchange of e-commerce topics hitting the marketplace." See "ANSI ASC X12/XML and DISA."

  • [March 21, 2000] "Envera 'B4B' Marketplace Launched by a Global Consortium of Chemical And Petroleum Companies." - "An international group of chemical and petroleum companies announced today agreement to pursue the creation of Envera, a global electronic-marketplace for B2B transactions and services. Envera will enable cross industry transactions and efficiencies over the Web. Envera calls its network of systems and services 'e-Business For Business' ('B4B'). Sponsorship by a consortium of international companies rather than by a single industry entity is a key component of the venture. 'No single industry player can credibly sponsor a global marketplace intended to provide a level playing field for all,' said Robert Mooney, Envera Chief Executive Officer. Based on the Latin word for 'in truth,' Envera has been designed from the start as a 'customer-focused,' neutral site where all industry participants can transact business with assurance of the network's neutrality and confidentiality. Envera will be a true business-for-business site, enabling a full range of business transactions between trading members (vendors, customers and suppliers in existing supply chains), and complimented by links to global financial institutions, shipping companies and other key service providers. Expecting to be operational by third quarter, Envera is designed to integrate and network chemical and petroleum process companies, and not for spot auctions. The goal is to empower members' core businesses, from improving efficiencies in manufacturing to integrating markets and services worldwide. The Envera solution is based on XML standards which will enable participating companies to enjoy on-line efficiencies regardless of their IT sophistication. To develop this standards-based open marketplace, Envera is in discussions with leading technology providers including IBM, XML Solutions, webMethods and Oracle."

  • [March 21, 2000] "webMethods Plays Strategic Role in Envera 'B4B' Marketplace Launch. Global Consortium of Chemical and Petroleum Companies will Rely on webMethods B2B to Integrate Chemical Trading Exchange." - "webMethods, Inc., a leading provider of business-to-business integration (B2Bi) solutions, today announced that it is a strategic participant with an international group of chemical and petroleum companies to pursue the creation of Envera, a global electronic-marketplace for B2B transactions and services. Envera's network of systems and services, 'e-Business For Business' ('B4B'), will enable cross industry transactions and efficiencies over the Web. Leveraging the open architecture of webMethods B2B, Envera will integrate customers and suppliers in a seamless, real-time trading exchange. Sponsorship by a consortium of international companies rather than by a single industry entity is a key component of the venture. 'No single industry player can credibly sponsor a global marketplace intended to provide a level playing field for all,' said Robert Mooney, Envera chief executive officer. Based on the Latin word for 'in truth,' Envera has been designed from the start as a 'customer-focused,' neutral site where all industry participants can transact their business with assurance of the network's neutrality and confidentiality. Envera will be a true business-for-business site enabling a full range of business transactions between trading members (vendors, customers and suppliers in existing supply chains) and complemented by links to global financial institutions, shipping companies and other key service providers. Envera is designed to integrate and network chemical and petroleum process companies doing business, and not for spot auctions. The goal is to empower Envera members' core businesses, from improving efficiencies in manufacturing to integrating markets and services worldwide. webMethods provides a comprehensive solution that allows organizations to effectively realize their B2B e-commerce strategies. Through broad support of open standards and protocols, such as XML, RosettaNet, FpML, cXML, OBI, OAG, ACORD, Microsoft BizTalk and legacy EDI, the webMethods B2B family of products enables companies to develop fully integrated, Internet-based networks with their major trading partners. Additional participants in the Envera launch include PricewaterhouseCoopers who will be providing Envera with e-business consulting support, and First Union who will be helping Envera identify financial services offerings. Additionally, the Envera team is exploring a wide range of opportunities with "best in class" service providers in the areas of logistics and IT. To date, discussions on potential service offerings have included BDP International Inc., a leading provider of global transportation and logistics services to the chemical industry; Miller Transporters, Inc., a national trucking firm, and Miller Intermodal Logistics Services, Inc., a global container and logistics company; and technology providers IBM, Oracle and other major e-business marketplace enablers."

  • [March 21, 2000] "ebXML Initiative to Deliver Its Initial XML Interoperability Specifications in May 2000." - The ebXML Initiative [designed] to create a single global XML framework solution -- a joint effort of the United Nation/CEFACT and OASIS -- continued to attract the participation of major industry standards organizations and companies from around the world at its second working meeting in Orlando, FL, USA. 'ebXML may very well prove to be a major event of the new millennium, revolutionizing how business transactions are tracked, affecting worldwide impacts, removing paper from the process, and by empowering people to create whole new work models,' said David RR Webber, North American Chair of the XML/EDI Group. Others expressed the belief that the ebXML Initiative is the only chance this decade to establish an international electronic commerce standard. Participants representing 14 countries, 83 companies, government agencies and several national and international standards organizations extended to nearly 500 by virtual participation. Lending their knowledge and expertise to the ebXML Initiative are representatives from IBM, Sun Microsystems, Commerce One, Dun & Bradstreet, Oracle, Visa International, General Motors joined with individuals representing Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and United Kingdom. A full listing of countries, companies and organizations represented is at the end of this document. The energy and enthusiasm of the on-site participants was evident in all eight Project Teams' efforts. Each project team committed to an aggressive schedule to deliver the components of the ebXML framework. Specification components of the ebXML Framework to be developed between the Orlando meeting and submitted for approval at the next meeting to be held in Brussels include the following: (1) ebXML Requirements Specification; (2) ebXML Conceptual Architecture Specification; (3) ebXML Message Structure and Headers Specification; (4) ebXML Core Components Specification. The work of the ebXML project teams is carried out via extensive listserv discussions and regular teleconferences between each face-to-face meeting. Proposed specifications will be submitted for public comment via the ebXML listserv and the ebXML web site. Participation is open to anyone wishing to contribute to this critical and exciting initiative. Interested organizations and individuals can learn more about the effort, including details on how to get involved, by visiting the ebXML Initiative web site at http://www.ebxml.org. The next meeting is scheduled for 8-12 May 2000, in Brussels, Belgium. Subsequent meetings are scheduled for 7-11 August in the United States and 6-11 November in Tokyo, Japan. Details for the Brussels meeting are now available at the ebXML web site." For references and background, see "Electronic Business XML Initiative (ebXML)."

  • [March 21, 2000] "Webb Launches AccelX Site Builder 2.0. Switchboard to Use Latest in XML/XSLT Standards Technology." - "Webb Interactive Services Inc., a leading application provider for local commerce, today announced the general availability of its latest version of AccelX Site Builder. The technology will be used as a foundation for website publishing services with one of the Internet's largest aggregators of small businesses -- Switchboard Incorporated (Nasdaq: SWBD - news). AccelX Site builder is the industry's first XML-based technology for efficiently creating template-driven websites for small businesses. Unlike traditional HTML-based website publishing applications, AccelX Site Builder creates an XML database of all content and leverages this content for enhanced shopping, promotion and marketplace services. AccelX Site Builder 2.0 represents the next generation of web site production and utilizes the latest in XML/XSLT standards and technology. This gives AccelX Site Builder 2.0 the ability to quickly build complex, multi-page web sites. The XML/XSLT architecture also allows small businesses to interact and communicate with their customers to offer new enhancements like the ability to include specials or coupons on their web sites. The product encapsulates rules of professional graphics design, allowing high quality sites to be generated by following simple questionnaires that can be completed in minutes. Simplifying the website building process even further streamlines production and provides some of the lowest cost of sale in the industry for the small business aggregator. Designed from the ground-up for the small business, AccelX Site Builder is a component of the AccelX platform; Webb's upcoming suite of commerce services that provide small businesses with unparalleled leverage of the Internet through innovations in commerce publishing, customer relationship management and marketplace exchanges."

  • [March 21, 2000] "eXcelon Corporation Announces Partnership With XMLSolutions Corporation." - "eXcelon Corporation, a global provider of innovative eBusiness products and services, today announced a partnership with XMLSolutions. Under the terms of the agreement, eXcelon Corp. will incorporate XMLSolutions' XEDI Translator with its B2B Integration Server, allowing companies to extend and expand their existing electronic data interchange (EDI). eXcelon Corp.'s B2B Integration Server gives companies the freedom to build and leverage current EDI solutions, while at the same time extending and augmenting the solutions in ways that allow companies to have richer interactions with new and existing customers. XMLSolutions' Java-based XEDI Translator uses completely open standards to seamlessly integrate with EDI trading systems. Through this integration, it is possible to extend existing EDI systems to non-EDI trading partners, thus allowing a much larger number of companies to take part in Internet-based trading communities. The strategic partnership enables eXcelon Corp. to resell the XEDI Translator with its B2B Integration Server, thereby extending its power and allowing companies with significant investments in EDI systems to further tap into the power of XML. In turn, smaller suppliers who are unable or unwilling to use traditional EDI can participate in B2B transactions over the Internet."

  • [March 21, 2000] "POET eCS to Further Simplification of eCatalog Management by Adding Microsoft BizTalk Capability. POET Software Announces Support for the Microsoft BizTalk Framework." - "POET Software announced today that it will incorporate support for the Microsoft BizTalk Framework into its eCatalog Suite (eCS). POET eCS is an out-of-the-box electronic catalog solution for extracting, managing, and distributing supplier catalog data over the Internet for B2B eCommerce. By making eCS compatible with the BizTalk specification, POET becomes one of the first data management providers to utilize an XML message-passing approach to tie eProcurement systems together. Further, supporting BizTalk in POET's eCatalog Suite will simplify the management of electronic catalog data for suppliers to eProcurement systems, guaranteeing secure exchange of data between online trading partners, and enhancing the ROI of integrating such systems. POET eCS simplifies supply-side management of electronic catalogs by automating many of the resource intensive steps required to assemble, manage, cleanse, customize, transform and transmit eCatalogs to buyers and Net Market Makers. Unlike B2C eCommerce, B2B requires significant customization of the data for each buyer and Net Market Maker; this is where POET eCS excels. POET eCS enables the supplier to automatically customize the eCatalog content for each buyer through a rule-based solution. POET eCS provides suppliers with a self-service solution for all their eCatalog needs, including transformation into any XML dialect or legacy data format allowing access to any form of XML regardless of origin. The Microsoft BizTalk Framework provides an open mechanism for exchanging XML messages between systems, simplifying integration and the exchange of data within and between organizations. In the case of eProcurement systems, BizTalk can simplify the exchange of electronic catalog data between buyers, sellers, and B2B Net Market Makers."

  • [March 21, 2000] Charles F. Goldfarb Launches Web Site Dedicated to XML News and Education." - "Charles F. Goldfarb, the father of markup languages and author of The XML Handbook (Prentice-Hall), today announced the launch of XMLTimes.com, an Internet site for news and educational resources on Extensible Markup Language (XML), the language of e-business. The site features up-to-the-minute XML news-feeds from the Web's leading news agencies, with background and tutorial articles contributed by the authors of Prentice-Hall's Definitive XML Series from Charles F. Goldfarb. 'We are living in XML times,' explained Dr. Goldfarb, editor of XMLTimes.com, 'Personal relationships and humanly-conducted transactions are rapidly giving way to database entries and automated electronic procedures; XML is at the heart of this transition.' The XMLTimes.com Web site serves technical and non-technical readers with XML news, interpretive assistance, and a discussion community. Initial sponsors include: IBM, Aberdeen Group, Bluestone Software, eXcelon Corporation, XMLSolutions Corporation and the XMLeadership Conference and Expo Series. ... XMLTimes.com provides news, knowledge, and a community for gathering and sharing information about extensible markup language (XML), the language of e-business. It provides news-feeds, articles, and industry insight into business benefits and best practices associated with implementing XML. Drawing on the expertise of contributors to Prentice Hall's Definitive XML Series from Charles F. Goldfarb, the site offers a valuable resource for our XML times."

  • [March 21, 2000] "Mercator Announces ACORD XML Integration Software to Accelerate XML Adoption Within Insurance Industry. New Capabilities Dramatically Reduce Cost to Integrate Both XML and EDI Transactions With Insurance Applications Using ACORD Standards." - "Mercator Software, the e-business transformation company, today announced new capabilities within its Mercator E-Business Integration Broker products that enable dramatic reductions in the time, cost and effort to integrate ACORD XML transactions with existing insurance applications. With new e-business data transformation support incorporating ACORD XML, customers will be able to accelerate the adoption of XML for business-to-business (B2B) exchange of insurance transactions, forms and documents. Combined with existing Mercator support for ACORD AL3 standards for EDI, these new capabilities allow customers to deploy a single software architecture for integration of both XML and EDI transactions based on ACORD standards without creating programs, regardless of application complexity. Mercator's e-business transformation capabilities for ACORD are unique in the software industry. Mercator E-Business Integration Broker products capture the complete semantic descriptions of ACORD standards transactions in graphical form, including importing of ACORD data type definitions (DTDs), thereby allowing 100% transformation to any other format through a drag-and-drop interface, without writing programs or coding user exits. This 'any-to-any' capability without programming is a major advance over software tools that only integrate XML to XML. As a result, the time and cost savings to create and maintain interfaces using Mercator integration software that incorporates ACORD standards are substantial. Mercator's commitment to ACORD dates back to 1998, when it joined the organization and first introduced support for ACORD data standards in its Mercator product. Many insurance industry customers, such as Wausau Insurance and Nationwide Insurance, rely on Mercator technology as a strategic component of their application integration architecture." See "ACORD - XML for the Insurance Industry."

  • [March 21, 2000] "FileMaker, Inc. Exploits XML for FileMaker Pro 5 and FileMaker Pro 5 Unlimited with Launch of FileMaker XML Central. IT professionals and web developers may now leverage the power of XML within FileMaker Pro 5 and FileMaker Pro 5 Unlimited." - "FileMaker, Inc. today announced the immediate availability of FileMaker XML Central. A comprehensive resource for IT professionals and web developers, FileMaker XML Central provides essential documentation that details the Extensible Markup Language (XML) support in FileMaker Pro. It also includes instructional examples and useful links for learning more about XML and XML formatting technologies. The XML documentation and examples will also be included in the forthcoming FileMaker Developer 5, planned for shipment in April. They immediately equip IT professionals and Web developers to deploy an XML solution using dynamic data from their FileMaker Pro 5 database. With XML, FileMaker Developer 5 will provide users with a more powerful, higher performing, and more customizable solution that will allow them to build custom Web interfaces and exchange data with FileMaker Pro. XML and other industry open standards, like the FileMaker JDBC driver, are key components of the new FileMaker Developer 5, targeted at professional Web developers who are looking for a platform to publish dynamic data. The addition of XML technology also enables dynamic data exchange between FileMaker Pro 5 databases and other systems, like Oracle and SAP."

  • [March 21, 2000] "Harbinger Adds IBM's WebSphere Commerce Suite to its Applications Services Program on harbinger.net. Harbinger expands global alliance with IBM to focus on small and mid enterprise market." - "Harbinger Corporation, a worldwide supplier of business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce software, services and solutions, announced today immediate plans to add IBM's WebSphere Commerce Suite, Pro Edition, to its Application Services offering on harbinger.netSM. The new B2B catalog storefront service enhances Harbinger's growing Applications Services business by providing Small and Mid Enterprise (SME) customers with broad and rapid access to these new e-commerce capabilities on a monthly subscription basis. In addition, Harbinger announced that it is expanding its global alliance with IBM to focus on the SME market and IBM will provide co-marketing funds to support the marketing of Harbinger's new SME offering. Harbinger currently provides catalog data rationalization, hosting and publishing services through harbinger.net that help suppliers and buyers build and maintain their e-catalogs. By coupling these services with IBM's WebSphere Commerce Suite, Harbinger will now provide SME customers with B2B sell-side storefronts and catalogs, and an immediate e-commerce presence on the Internet. Harbinger will work with IBM to build an XML repository for their SME offerings and are actively working with international organizations, including UN/CEFACT and OASIS, to develop standard eXtensible Markup Language (XML) business specifications, particularly relevant in the e-catalog arena. Harbinger and IBM Global Services jointly announced late last year that they were expanding their marketing relationship across a broad range of e-commerce solutions to focus on integrated e-business solutions, including distribution of Harbinger TrustedLink, Unix and AS/400 Edition products to IBM global customers. As a further to this agreement, IBM plans to support and market Harbinger's latest IP release of its TrustedLink, AS/400 Edition software, e-Version 5, launched March 12. Harbinger Corporation is a leading worldwide provider of business-to-business e-commerce software, services and solutions. The company maximizes its customers' business potential with comprehensive, scalable e-commerce solutions that help streamline operations, increase profitability and build electronic trading communities. Harbinger's objective is to serve more customers using Internet Protocols (IP) than any other provider and to establish harbinger.netSM as the preferred virtual e-commerce center for information and mission-critical, business-to-business e-commerce transactions."

  • [March 21, 2000] "viaLink Introduces XML-enabled Solutions. Hosts Workshop about XML Adoption in CPG and Grocery Industries." - "The viaLink Company, a leading provider of secure, interactive e-business subscription-based services and solutions for the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and grocery industries, has introduced XML-enabled supply chain solutions. At the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Marketechnics Show in San Francisco, February 20-22, viaLink demonstrated deployable, real-time application integration via XML with viaLink ready Program members Marketorder.com, OMI International and Total Control Information (TCI). Together with viaLink ready Program members, viaLink's customers can seamlessly connect their core business processes with end-to-end solutions. 'The decision to introduce XML-enabled solutions reaffirms viaLink's strong commitment and proven ability to deliver world-class supply chain solutions,' said Robert Noe, viaLink's executive vice president. viaLink also unveiled its eSchema and eInterchange frameworks at the show. These frameworks allow viaLink to successfully incorporate XML technology into its supply chain solutions. eSchema- and eInterchange-based XML integration and collaboration over the Internet offer a more comprehensive process-based access to viaLink business features and functions than can be obtained through more traditional EDI and custom format interfaces. XML, or extensible markup language, is the next generation programming language of the Internet. XML ensures that structured data will be uniform and independent of applications or vendors. This resulting interoperability provides standards for e-business and electronic commerce Web applications that allow for transmission of data without requiring knowledge of underlying systems."

  • [March 21, 2000] "Sequoia Software Integrates Three Key Populist Applications with Sequoia's XML Portal Server. Sequoia Gives Corporate Users Immediate Access to Online Benefits Planning, Procurement and Travel Services Directly Through XML Portal Desktop." - "Sequoia Software Corporation, a leading provider and innovator of XML-powered software for creating interactive e-business portals, today announced agreements with OfficeMax.com, the e-commerce business of OfficeMax, Inc., biztravel.com, and 401Kafe for integrating their Web-based services with Sequoia's XML Portal Server (XPS). Collectively, OfficeMax.com's office products and services, biztravel.com's full-service online travel capabilities, and 401Kafe's online benefits planning information fall into the category of "populist applications" because they are useful to the broadest range of corporate users. In making these applications available directly through the XPS interface, Sequoia is further reducing the cost and effort required for deploying a comprehensive enterprise portal solution. A report from Forrester Research titled, 'Pumping Up Intranet Portals' categorized benefits planning, corporate travel and procurement services as "populist apps" because they serve the widest range of corporate users, thereby providing the most value for the greatest amount of people within an organization. By integrating these online applications within XPS, Sequoia is ensuring its customers' employees will be more enthusiastic about adopting the portal as their primary point of interaction with corporate content. This in turn will drive overall use of the portal, increasing the return on the corporate investment. Sequoia Software Corporation is a leading provider and innovator of XML-powered software for creating interactive e-business portals. Sequoia's flagship product, the XML Portal Server (XPS), gives users a Web-based, single point of personalized access to distributed information, along with the capability to publish, edit, change, or update content. As the cornerstone of an effective e-business strategy, XPS improves the accuracy of information search and retrieval, and fosters the interchange of information between organizations and their customers and trading partners. Sequoia's customers include leading manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, insurance and telecommunications firms."

  • [March 21, 2000] Cutting-Edge Database Technology Increases Processing and Storing Power For Mobile Computing Devices. Unique Patented Technology Stores and Manipulates XML Structures Natively in the Database." - "Birdstep Technology AS, an international vendor and developer of Ultra Small Footprint database technology, today announced a unique solution to an increasing problem faced by the growing mobile computing industry. The Birdstep solution is a database that supports XML to increase processing power and storage capacity on handheld devices. The Birdstep technology, showcased today at a meeting with a major US software developer, included an XML-database of a 42,000 word Norwegian-English dictionary implemented on a PDA running Windows CE. The Birdstep database requires only 12MB of space to handle the dictionary, while traditional database systems supporting XML may need up to three times as much space (30MB). Birdstep's patented atomisation techniques store and manipulate the XML-structures within the actual database. This technology differs from most vendors that provide relational or flat file databases that are not able to provide multilevel XML support. Birdstep's technology allows for native XML representation within the physical database itself. As such, Birdstep's support for XML becomes an integrated part of the handheld's database system, versus other vendors that only provide an XML-layer on top of the flat file or relational technology. In addition, Birdstep technology keeps the whole XML-structure - or tree - persistently across disk and memory, a detail of importance when manipulating large and complex XML-documents."

  • [March 21, 2000] "Worldweb.net to Provide Kiplinger's Web Sites With New, Enhanced Web Performance. Expressroom's Content Management Software Enables Kiplinger To Deliver Efficient Dynamic Web Sites." - "Worldweb.net, a leader in content management, today announced that it will provide Kiplinger (http://www.kiplinger.com and http://www.special.kiplinger.com) with superior Web site performance using Worldweb.net's Expressroom content management solution. Expressroom will power both Kiplinger's free public site and its subscriber-only business forecasting site, allowing for easy production, management, deployment, delivery, and change. Updated daily, Kiplinger's Web sites provide interaction with experts to help with financial planning; tax tips from now through April 15; a weekly column for investors; as well as business and market forecasts. The site has data on stock and fund research as well as tools and calculators for most major financial decisions - from buying a home to paying for college to financing retirement. The business forecasting section gives subscribers access to daily forecasts on issues critical to top CEOs, executives and information professionals. Expressroom is a content management platform used to create, manage and deploy Web content. It combines the power of XML and Java resulting in a platform-independent, media-independent and vendor independent application. Designers and writers can easily create Web pages using GUI interfaces and truly dynamic XML templates. Content or components, such as text, images, video or sound are stored as XML objects, also easily managed by non-technical users. By fully separating the Web site development environment from the deployment environment, Expressroom supports distributed content delivery, thousands of users and millions of page views. With its open, component-based architecture, Expressroom is flexible enough to quickly customize as a platform working with best-of-breed products, or as a total solution."

  • [March 18, 2000] "Todd Luhtanen of Dynatek Elected to MISMO Governance Committee. Loan Origination Software Provider To Help Set Industry XML Data Interchange Standards." - "Todd Luhtanen of Dynatek has been elected to serve on the Governance Committee of the Mortgage Bankers Association's Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO). MISMO was recently formed by the MBA to establish XML data interchange standards for the mortgage industry. Todd Luhtanen, Dynatek's Director of Technology, has been elected to the board to help lead the effort to establish a thorough data model representing all aspects of the mortgage lending process. In addition to the MISMO Governance Committee, Luhtanen also serves as a member of the XML Architecture Work Group. Over recent months, XML's flexibility and ease-of-use as a data interchange has gained significant support within the mortgage industry. In an effort to consolidate multiple proprietary XML initiatives in the industry, MISMO will manage the data standards to ensure that financial organizations involved in the loan process can share information and progress toward becoming e-commerce enabled... Both Luhtanen and Dynatek have been long-time advocates of the MBA's effort to develop useful data communications standards. Luhtanen added that Dynatek is currently developing financial solutions with other companies, and as soon as MISMO publishes the XML standards, Dynatek can incorporate XML into its interfaces." For description and references, see "Mortgage Bankers Association of America XML Workgroup." Also: "XML-MP: XML Mortgage Partners Framework."

  • [March 17, 2000] "eBusiness Technologies Announces General Release of DynaBase 4.0. New Version of Web Publishing Solution Completes Beta Program, Now Shipping." - "eBusiness Technologies, a division of Inso Corporation and a leading provider of solutions and services for e-business applications, today announced that it is now shipping DynaBase 4.0. A major new release of the industry-leading XML- enabled Web content management and dynamic delivery solution, DynaBase 4.0 delivers a new generation of Web publishing capabilities that enable companies that are conducting e-business to reduce their time to market, lower operating costs, increase opportunities to generate sales and enhance customer relationships. eBusiness Technologies recently completed a Beta program which featured the installation of DynaBase 4.0 at strategic customer sites, including Houghton Mifflin Company and Which? Online, in advance of its general release date. The program allowed the organizations to develop and validate separate pieces of the new release as well as the overall architecture and functionality. Participants were selected from eBusiness Technologies' existing customers based on their hardware and software configurations. DynaBase is the industry's first integrated XML-based Web publishing solution. Combining sophisticated content management capabilities with a powerful dynamic serving environment, DynaBase automates the production and enables personalized delivery of content to the Internet, intranet, extranet and wireless networks and devices. Designed for mid- to large-sized organizations DynaBase is a flexible, scalable solution for building and sustaining interactive, online business-to-business and business-to-consumer activities."

  • [March 17, 2000] "Bowstreet and webMethods Join Forces to Provide Broad Solution For B2B Marketplaces. Customers Will Harness Full Power Of XML To Expand Their Businesses Online." - "Two business-to-business Internet commerce trailblazers, Bowstreet and webMethods Inc., today joined forces to provide a fast, easy and affordable way for companies to proliferate their B2B presence across the Internet and tailor that presence for each audience. Bowstreet (www.bowstreet.com) is the leading provider of XML infrastructure for B2B web marketplaces, including support for all XML vocabularies and schemas, and webMethods (www.webMethods.com) is the leading provider of open solutions for B2Bi (business-to-business integration). The companies will offer a complementary group of B2B products and services that will exponentially increase the number and scope of customers' B2B relationships and allow them to grow their businesses in entirely new ways. Through broad support of open standards and protocols, such as XML, RosettaNet, FpML, cXML, OBI, OAG, ACORD, Microsoft BizTalk and legacy EDI, webMethods B2B-enables large trading networks by securely integrating the business processes of trading partners over the Internet. Bowstreet takes these integrated business processes and lets companies' line-of-business managers find, consume, organize, mix, match, assemble, customize, publish, repurpose and trade them, instantaneously creating 'business webs' of interconnected companies. Bowstreet also allows companies to infinitely customize business webs to provide unique interactions for each partner. By using the partners' combined services, customers will be able to quickly move their businesses to the Internet, instantly create new B2B relationships, and extract unprecedented value from each one - all without the cost of custom web development."

  • [March 17, 2000] " OpenMLS Delivers Shrink-Wrapped Listing Management Systems with PureXML." - OpenMLS' latest web-based Real Estate Listing Management Systems -- PureXML -- is now available as an 'off the shelf' application. 'Exclusively using XML documents and search engine technology, we have 'shrink-wrapped' our listing management product,' explains Doug Greenwood, president of OpenMLS. 'This is the solution for real estate businesses that wish to manage and control their own listing inventory. Additionally, the product provides consumers an Internet gateway to search the listings that the broker chooses to make available on the web. In addition to providing the off the shelf product, OpenMLS has targeted PureXML for the application service provider (ASP) market. PureXML is built on an open standards framework. These standards include XML and XSL, both W3C recommendations. Agent profiles embrace the vCard specification while the real estate listings themselves conform to the RELML.' Adopting standards is the key for real estate agents, brokers, MLSs, and service providers to take advantage of business-to-business opportunities on the web. If you wish to participate in Internet commerce, you must be XML ready,' advises Greenwood. PureXML operates on an inventory of XML-based listings and agent profiles with XSL providing the browser interface to manage the information. 'Where XML defines the data, XSL defines its presentation'."

  • [March 17, 2000] "Mercator Joins OAGI Vendor Challenge to Deliver B2B Interoperability. Mercator's Unique XML-to-Any Transformation Capabilities Provide Cornerstone for Successful B2B Implementations." - "Mercator Software, the e-business transformation company, today announced its participation in the OAGI Vendor Challenge aimed at delivering B2B interoperability between leading business applications using OAGI standards. Mercator offers built in capabilities to easily transform documents in the OAGI XML standard into any other electronic document format used by trading partners for business-to-business (B2B) commerce. Mercator will showcase its Mercator E-business Integration Broker suite at Canopy International's eBusiness integration laboratory in Boston. Members of the press, industry analysts, and other interested parties will be invited to view the live demonstrations. 'The OAGI Vendor challenge will give customers a richer marketplace of usable software, which will contribute to agility,' stated Tim Thomasma, lead application architect at Ford and chair of The OAGI Vendor Challenge. 'In addition, vendors will gain a broader marketplace and stronger demand for their products. Overall both customers and vendors gain greater focus on high value business innovation.' The business process based Open Applications Group Integration Specification (OAGIS) Release 6.2 contains the largest set of Extensible Markup Language (XML) Document Type Definition (DTD) files in the world and goes the farthest towards defining the 'digital dial tone' that organizations require to do business in the emerging eWorld. These specifications may be downloaded for free at www.openapplications.org. There are currently at least 50 live sites running OAGIS based XML messages. These sites include many kinds of integration, including eBusiness, Logistics, Financials, and Banking."

  • [March 16, 2000] "Ford, Lucent and Lockheed Martin Lead the OAGI Vendor Challenge Driving Delivery of XML Standard-based eCommerce Solutions. Interoperability to be Demonstrated at Canopy International's Boston eBusiness Integration Laboratory." - "Member companies of The Open Applications Group (OAGI) announced today their participation in the OAGI Vendor Challenge aimed at delivering B2B interoperability between leading business applications using OAGI standards. The OAGI Customer Council has issued this challenge in an effort to encourage vendors to deliver e-commerce solutions that are interoperable, standards-based, and can be implemented in the near term. The end user companies that issued the challenge are including products that implement OAGI standards in their plans to implement B2B e-commerce in their enterprises. Twenty vendors have signed onto the Challenge. They are Bluestone (BLSW), eXcelon Corp., Extricity Software, GloTech Solutions, HK Systems, Inc. (HKS), J. D. Edwards (JDEC), Mercator (MCTR), Netfish Technologies, OnDisplay, Inc., Oracle (ORCL), PeopleSoft (PSFT), PricewaterhouseCoopers, PSDI (PSDI), Requisite Technology, Robocom Systems International (RIMS), SAGA Software (AGS), SupplierMarket.com, Teklogix, Inc., webMethods (WEBM) and Wonderware. Several more vendors are poised to sign up very soon. Daniel Hale from HK Systems, Inc. will act as project manager for the Vendor Challenge. Vendors who complete the challenge will showcase their products at Canopy International's eBusiness integration laboratory in Boston. Members of the press, industry analysts, and other interested parties will be invited to view the live demonstrations. The products will also be shown at exhibitions and conferences to be announced later. The Open Applications Group (www.openapplications.org) is a non-profit consortium focusing on dramatically easier business software interoperability for eBusiness and application interoperability. It is the largest publisher of XML content for business software interoperability in the world. The Open Applications Group also builds and publishes the detail specifications necessary to use the XML content as well as publishing a common middleware API specification that has been endorsed by several major middleware vendors." See references in "Open Applications Group."

  • [March 16, 2000] "webMethods Joins Industry Leaders in OAGI Vendor Challenge. Company to Demonstrate Interoperability of webMethods B2B with the OAGI Standard." - webMethods, a leading provider of business-to-business integration (B2Bi) solutions, today announced the company will participate in The Open Applications Group Interoperability Customer Council (OAGI) Vendor Challenge. Through participation in the OAGI Vendor Challenge, webMethods will demonstrate the interoperability of webMethods B2B to exchange business documents between leading business applications using OAGI standards. The OAGI Customer Council has issued this challenge in an effort to encourage vendors to deliver e-commerce solutions that are interoperable, standards-based, and can be implemented in the near term. The participating customers intend to implement B2B e-commerce in their enterprises with products that support OAGI standards. The OAGI Customer Council, which includes AT&T Wireless, Boeing, DHL, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Ingersoll-Rand, Kraft Foods, Lockheed Martin and Lucent Technologies, is issuing the challenge. Vendors who complete the challenge will showcase their products at Canopy International's eBusiness integration laboratory in Boston. Members of the press, industry analysts, and other interested parties will be invited to view the live demonstrations. The products will also be shown at exhibitions and conferences to be announced later. The business process based Open Applications Group Integration Specification (OAGIS) Release 6.2 contains the largest set of Extensible Markup Language (XML) Document Type Definition (DTD) files in the world and goes the farthest towards defining the 'digital dial tone' that organizations require to do business in the emerging eWorld. These specifications may be downloaded for free at www.openapplications.org. There are currently at least 50 live sites running OAGIS based XML messages. These sites include many kinds of integration, including eBusiness, Logistics, Financials, and Banking." See references in "Open Applications Group."

  • [March 16, 2000] "Canopy International to Host OAGI Vendor Challenge Delivering B2B Interoperability. Complete Products To Be Demonstrated At Canopy's Boston E-Business Integration Laboratory." - "Canopy International, an international professional services company specializing in business-to-business integration services, today announced that it will host and participate in the OAGI Vendor Challenge aimed at delivering B2B interoperability between leading business applications using OAGI standards. The OAGI Vendor Challenge was issued by the OAGI Customer Council, including companies such as AT&T Wireless, Boeing, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Lockheed Martin and Lucent Technologies, in an effort to drive software vendors to deliver fully-integrated products that can be implemented to deliver value right away. Vendors who complete the challenge, and are able to produce a working product by June 30, 2000, will showcase their products at Canopy's eBusiness integration laboratory in Boston. Canopy's eBusiness integration laboratory contains the latest versions and features of various leading software applications, including enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, supply chain management, asset management, middleware, and business-to business, as well as a library of reusable integration solutions. The lab offers Canopy clients the ability to dramatically accelerate the development of B2B solutions. While the laboratories are available via the web, Canopy maintains integration laboratories in five locations around the world. The Open Applications Group is a non-profit consortium focusing on dramatically easier business software interoperability for eBusiness and application interoperability. It is the largest publisher of XML content for business software interoperability in the world. The Open Applications Group also builds and publishes the detail specifications necessary to use the XML content as well as publishing a common middleware API specification that has been endorsed by several major middleware vendors."

  • [March 16, 2000] "Bowstreet Ignites Business Web Revolution. Companies will grow their business online in ways they've never dreamed, exponentially expanding the number and scope of their B2B relationships." - Bowstreet, a leading provider of XML infrastructure for business-to-business (B2B) web marketplaces, today ignited the 'business web' revolution, which will let companies grow their businesses in ways they've never dreamed. To kick-start the business web revolution, Bowstreet today announced the first members of the business web industry and two first-of-their-kind technology initiatives, the Bowstreet Business Web Exchange and the Bowstreet Business Web Factory 2.0. With business webs, companies will create richer offerings for existing customers and sell products they've never sold in ways they've never imagined to customers they never knew existed. And for the first time, line-of-business managers can take complete control of e-business without technical help. The Bowstreet Business Web Exchange is an Internet community where companies can publish, search for, find, exchange and consume other companies' web services in order to form instant partnerships on the web. Example: A shipping company publishes its package-tracking web service to the Bowstreet Business Web Exchange. Once published, a manufacturer's line-of-business manager acquires the service, snaps it into the manufacturer's B2B web systems, customizes it with a few mouse clicks, and lets customers track their purchases on the web starting that day. As companies obtain web services from the Exchange, they exponentially expand their market reach and their services while sparing themselves the pain of traditional, protracted web development. In fact, each web service contains the publisher's terms of use, eliminating the need for lengthy negotiations, legal wrangling and engineering to form a B2B web relationship. The Bowstreet Business Web Factory lets line-of-business managers create instant B2B web relationships, then infinitely extend and customize them. With the Bowstreet Business Web Factory, companies can publish web services (e.g., to the Exchange) for use by other companies, and obtain other companies' web services from anywhere on the Internet (e.g., from the Exchange). Companies can also transform existing business processes into web services and deploy them in unique combinations to customers, suppliers and partners. Because the Bowstreet Business Web Factory is powered by XML (Extensible Markup Language, the Internet's lingua franca for commerce), directories and patent-pending change-automation technology, companies can scale their B2B relationships as quickly as they can conceive them. A free Marketplace Edition of the Bowstreet Business Web Factory will be available on the Bowstreet Business Web Exchange when it goes live in Q2 2000."

  • [March 16, 2000] "The Bowstreet Business Web Factory 2.0 provides new platform for boundless B2B. Line-of-business managers can instantly and exponentially expand revenue, scale their B2B relationships without limits." - Bowstreet, a leading provider of XML infrastructure for business-to-business (B2B) web marketplaces, today announced the Bowstreet Business Web Factory 2.0, a B2B platform that lets companies grow their businesses on the web in ways they've never dreamed. Non-technical businesspeople can now create and customize hundreds of thousands of online business relationships simply by pointing and clicking. With the Bowstreet Business Web Factory, companies can extend their B2B relationships on the Internet as fast as they can conceive them, deploying new business models and exponentially expanding their market reach and revenue. The Bowstreet Business Web Factory 2.0 is the first platform for creating, scaling and proliferating 'business webs' - next-generation B2B building blocks that let companies form instant B2B relationships online. The Bowstreet Business Web Factory is also the best way for companies to harness the power of the Bowstreet Business Web Exchange, the first online community and trading hub for B2B relationships. The Bowstreet Business Web Factory is based on a unique blend of XML (Extensible Markup Language, the Internet's lingua franca for commerce), directories and patent-pending change-automation technology. It lets companies find, organize, mix, match, customize, publish - and sometimes trade - web services, which are radically new software building blocks that embody a company's core business processes. Bowstreet customers can snap these XML-based web services into their B2B web sites, creating B2B web marketplaces ('business webs') that exponentially extend their market reach and eliminate the pain of traditional custom web development." See also: "The Bowstreet Business Web Exchange fuels B2B revolution with first-of-its-kind 'web services' marketplace. Internet community dedicated to finding, publishing and exchanging snap-in business processes will transform B2B e-commerce."

  • [March 15, 2000] "WAVO Introduces MediaXpress to Deliver Streaming Rich Media to Businesses Worldwide. Service Includes More than 1,800 Licensed Media Sources." - "WAVO Corporation today announced the rapid expansion of its digital media services offerings. MediaXpress, a significantly enhanced version of its forerunner NewsPak, delivers rich digital media to Web Portals, public Internet sites, corporate Intranets and extranets throughout the world. To coincide with the availability of the MediaXpress service, WAVO will begin a multimillion-dollar advertising and promotional campaign. WAVO is also launching a new e-commerce site, www.MediaXpress.com, which radically simplifies the process of purchasing digital media on the Internet. MediaXpress makes it simple to select, receive and integrate a stream of XML formatted digital media ranging from general business news to weather maps to sports scores to targeted industry information. MediaXpress customers benefit from the addition of more than 1,000 newly licensed media sources, bringing the vast selection of content to more than 1,800 in total. WAVO Corporation is in the business of moving media. As an industry leading digital media services company, WAVO partners with the foremost providers of news, business data, consumer content and multimedia programming. WAVO provides value added content management and electronic commerce services to media providers over its Internet and satellite networks in order to deliver quality content to an information dependent society. WAVO offers MediaXpress, the industry's leading solution for delivering streaming rich media and content to Web servers worldwide and Virgin JamCast, an innovative Web site and service that delivers targeted high quality music directly to a consumer's PC without the wait times associated with traditional music downloading. ['NewsPak gives you the power to put pre-licensed, pre-packaged real-time news from top-name content sources right on your site with minimal development. And the best part is that it's delivered in XML (eXtensible Markup Language), the new language of the Internet. NewsPak also supports HTML output with our XML translator.']"

  • [March 15, 2000] "ebXML Initiative Releases First Technical Specification for Public Comment." - "The first ebXML Initiative Technical Specification has been released for public comment. The ebXML Requirements Specification is available for download from the ebXML web site at http://www.ebxml.org. This ebXML Requirements Specification represents the work of the ebXML Requirements Project Team. It defines ebXML and the ebXML effort, articulates overall business requirements for ebXML, and defines specific technical infrastructure requirements that will be addressed by the various ebXML Project Teams in preparing their deliverables. The document includes general guiding principles for the development of other ebXML Technical Specifications. Major requirements identified in the specification include: (1) general Business Requirements which relate to the need for a single consistent approach to use XML; (2) the need to support both vertical and horizontal solutions regardless of the user's level of sophistication; (3) the need to support a range of basic, low cost solutions for Small or Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as well as complex solutions appropriate to large enterprises; (4) a general specification for developing XML-based schematas; (5) the need for globalized solutions that will accommodate national and international process requirements; (6) completely open accessibility, enabled by a registry and repository; (7) the need for an architecture that will ensure and maximize interoperability by supporting common business process, common semantics, a common vocabulary and common character encoding; (8) consistent transport, routing and packaging methodologies to ensure secure sending and receiving of messages over the Internet; and (9) digital signature and other security related capabilities. The specification is available for the full ebXML Work Group and all interested parties in the general public..." For background and references, see "Electronic Business XML Initiative (ebXML)."

  • [March 15, 2000] "PureEdge Announces Support for Microsoft Windows 2000 in InternetForms Commerce System. Next-Generation Operating System and InternetForms Drive Secure B2B E-Commerce." - "PureEdge, a leader in e-commerce applications for secure, legally binding business-to-business transactions, announced support today for Windows(R) 2000 in InternetForms Commerce System(TM) (ICS), the award-winning enterprise software for secure XML document solutions. The new release of ICS, available now at http://www.PureEdge.com, leverages the enhanced scalability, performance, and reliability of Windows 2000 to provide for trusted and secure B2B applications. InternetForms enable enterprises that use Windows 2000 to create, complete, digitally sign and process legally binding e-commerce applications such as government reporting services, bank account applications, human resources agreements, and other complex, high-value transactions. 'InternetForms combined with the cost-effectiveness, robustness, and ease-of-use of Windows 2000 make it easier for our customers to conduct trusted, secure e-commerce transactions both internally and externally,' said PureEdge president and CEO Eric Jordan. ICS is an award-winning product line that enables organizations to securely create, complete, sign, and process legally binding XML documents for e-commerce. ICS creates digital records that can meet stringent regulatory requirements, which allows organizations to completely remove their dependence on paper in internal and external e-commerce transactions. InternetForms store the content, context, and structure of a form in a single file that can be digitally signed and archived for transaction non-repudiation. ICS provides integration into enterprise databases, workflow systems, and e-commerce applications."

  • [March 15, 2000] "Enermetrix.com Announces Major Upgrade to World's Leading Online Retail Energy Exchange. New Architecture Based on XML and APIs Paves the Way for Fully Automated, Web-Based Market-to-Meter Energy Distribution. New User Interface for Suppliers." - "Enermetrix.com, a leader in Internet commerce for energy, today announced a major technological upgrade to their retail energy exchange. By transitioning to a new architecture that features an XML-based API, Enermetrix.com has paved the way for fully automated, Web-based market-to-meter energy distribution. Another significant enhancement to the Enermetrix.com exchange is a newly designed user interface that gives energy sellers easier access to vital information, allowing them to bid on contracts more effectively. These enhancements will be available in the second quarter of this year. This latest platform for Enermetrix.com represents an enormous step in new functionality. The migration to XML-based APIs creates the groundwork for easier implementations and customizations, as well as integration with a variety of systems using hub-like interchanges. The Enermetrix.com exchange continues to penetrate deregulating markets and has become a critical component of any effort to establish a seamless, Web-based transaction environment from the market to the meter."

  • [March 15, 2000] "FMC Corporation Automates Supply Chain With webMethods B2B. webMethods B2B Securely Streamlines Business-to-Business E-Commerce for FMC Chemical Products Group." - "webMethods, Inc., a leading provider of business-to-business integration (B2Bi) solutions, today announced that FMC Corporation, one of the world's leading producers of chemicals and machinery for industry and agriculture, has implemented webMethods B2B to process legacy data exchanges between FMC's Chemical Products Group and its fleet management partner. The Chemical Products Group generates approximately $1 billion in sales for FMC Corporation. The Chemical Products Group uses webMethods B2B to link critical data from its SAP R/3(R) system to the backend systems of its fleet management partner. In order to comply with Y2K standards, the Chemical Products Group needed to undergo a vast systems re-engineering process. FMC chose to restructure its entire supply chain, and outsource fleet management and applications hosting to a third-party company. webMethods B2B's open architecture and support for XML enabled seamless data exchanges between FMC and its fleet management partner. Under the new automated supply chain management, FMC can better track its fleet and deliveries, and customers can now easily check the status of orders. 'webMethods B2B opened up a whole new development strategy for us and without it, we would not have chosen to reinvent our legacy system," said Edward Flynn, director of information systems for FMC's Chemical Business. 'The webMethods integration project of our supply chain has become a cost-improvement project, rather than a profit-maintaining project, which would have been the case had we chosen another route.' 'Industries from industrial chemical development to financial processing are moving quickly to transform their most important operations to the Internet," said Phillip Merrick, president and CEO of webMethods. 'FMC's successful implementation of webMethods B2B demonstrates the flexibility and scalability of our e-commerce solution.' webMethods provides a comprehensive solution that allows organizations to effectively realize their B2B e-commerce strategies. Through broad support of open standards and protocols, such as XML, RosettaNet, FpML, cXML, OBI, OAG, ACORD, Microsoft BizTalk and legacy EDI, the webMethods B2B family of products connect integrated business communities and enables companies to conduct business over the Internet with minimal stress to corporate resources and existing infrastructure."

  • [March 15, 2000] "Commerce One Supports Extensity's B2E Hub, Joins Extensity Connect Partner Network. Commerce One and Extensity Team to Link Business-to-Employee Hub to Commerce One MarketSite." - "Commerce One, Inc., a leader in global e-commerce solutions for business, today announced support for Extensity Connect, the newly announced Business-to-Employee hub, designed to help companies take the next leap forward in workforce optimization. As a B2E hub, Extensity Connect helps create new efficiencies by delivering the power of B2B commerce directly to employees and providing one location where employees can access everything they need to complete daily processes related to e-procurement, business travel and billable time management. With this latest announcement, Extensity's Business-to-Employee hub will gain access to Commerce One MarketSite Global Trading Portal, the U.S. portal for exchanging goods and services among businesses worldwide. Extensity and Commerce One offer seamless integration of Commerce One MarketSite with Extensity Purchase Reqs application, Internet-based software that automates the internal request and approval processes for the procurement of non-production goods and services. Extensity customers can now have a personalized online hub where employees can easily conduct their daily business functions and access Commerce One MarketSite e-commerce services for real-time, interactive transactions between trading partners, suppliers and Internet market makers. Commerce One MarketSite has supplied transaction, content management and business services to buyers and suppliers since March 1998. Extensity Connect helps create new efficiencies by integrating B2B commerce and dynamic content in a central location as a natural extension to employee processes related to e-procurement, business travel and billable time management. Extensity Connect helps corporations manage costs by encapsulating the entire process within corporate policy and leverages XML and commerce standards as the foundation for the B2E hub. The Extensity Connect optimizes employee productivity and corporate efficiency by delivering: Extensity's best of breed workforce optimization applications; strategic content and commerce services through the Extensity Connect Partner Network; role-based reporting and business intelligence; and a traditional web navigation look and feel."

  • [March 15, 2000] "fourthchannel Expands XML Support. E-commerce ASP Also Integrates With OnDisplay's XMLConnect." - "fourthchannel, a rapidly growing e-commerce ASP, today announced its support of XML business documents as a means of exchanging data with other applications and technologies. fourthchannel customers can now easily leverage the power and flexibility of XML to integrate their Internet commerce solution with their back-office applications, and those of their partners; XML connectivity also increases the product's attractiveness for licensing to OEM distribution partners. fourthchannel also announced its integration with XML Connect, a new product from OnDisplay Inc. that enables the secure and reliable exchange of XML business documents. OnDisplay, a leading provider of e-business infrastructure software for powering e-business portals and e-marketplaces, developed XML Connect -- the industry's first free business-to-business XML server software -- to offer all businesses a path to Internet marketplaces that does not require investment in expensive, proprietary software. fourthchannel's integration with XML Connect will further accelerate the adoption of XML and mid-market business to business e-commerce. "XML is becoming the standard for electronic data exchange," said Jonathan York, fourthchannel Chairman and CEO. "Support for this flexible, powerful message standard is critical to fourthchannel's future. OnDisplay is the key player in this area and we are very pleased to be working with them." "fourthchannel delivers a complete Internet commerce solution to the mid-market," said OnDisplay's Vice President of Marketing, Peter Buzzard. "Their adoption of XML, and XML Connect, sends a powerful signal that they are prepared to become the premier player in this arena."

  • [March 15, 2000] "Mead Clark Selects ChanneLinx to Provide E-commerce Platform." - "ChanneLinx.com announced today that Mead Clark Lumber Company has signed an agreement to use ChanneLinx's Trading Management Solution platform in its e-commerce initiative. WebDI is another important component of the Trading Management Solution and provides end-to-end transaction automation. With WebDI, any two trading partners with Internet access can exchange electronic documents and information, regardless of their back-office systems. WebDI's XML platform bridges the gap between users of legacy VAN-based EDI methodologies and those of emerging e-business standards, such as Microsoft BizTalk and cXML."

  • [March 15, 2000] "Sequoia Software Publishes E-Business Integration Schema on BizTalk.Org. Schema Facilitates Exchange of Content Between Sequoia's XML Portal Server and the Disparate Applications Connected to the Portal." - "Sequoia Software Corporation, a leading provider and innovator of XML-powered software for creating Interactive e-business Portals, today announced that it has published its schema, titled 'Information Integration with Portal Servers' on BizTalk.Org. Sequoia created the XML schema to work in conjunction with its EXTRA interface, which uses XML messaging to link Sequoia's XML Portal Server (XPS) with the applications feeding the portal. With EXTRA and BizTalk business documents, Sequoia offers customers and third-party developers an open mechanism based on Internet standards to overcome data exchange challenges faced by companies engaging in e-business. The BizTalk initiative, which utilizes Internet-standard protocols and formats, is designed to help drive the adoption of XML as the lingua franca of business over the Web by creating a technical vocabulary for e-commerce that any application or computer system which recognizes XML will understand. Sequoia's schema establishes a standard format for XML messages sent to and from XPS and incorporates processing instructions that allow the portal server to take action on content. Ideal for businesses in any industry where access to data from multiple sources is critical, EXTRA allows XPS to quickly and easily connect to and exchange information with multiple systems in a way that is transparent to the end user. Sequoia customer Baylor Health Care System in Dallas is planning on employing BizTalk documents for facilitating the delivery of medical information. The Baylor initiative will help physicians retrieve patient information in a form that is most convenient for them (e.g., by fax, hand held device or mail). This will save time and help assure physicians have the most current patient data available, creating more time for productive interactions with patients." For background and references, see "BizTalk Forum."

  • [March 15, 2000] "Newmarket International Creates XML Schema Using BizTalk Framework to Build MeetingBroker.com -- The 'Independent Global Trading Exchange' for Hospitality Sales. Newmarket's use of the Extensible Markup Language (XML) and the Microsoft BizTalk framework enables MeetingBroker.com to route e-RFPs from diverse meeting planner sites directly into Newmarket sales automation systems for immediate follow-up." - "Newmarket International announced today that www.MeetingBroker.com -- its business-to-business e-commerce solution for hospitality sales--is being engineered to utilize Microsoft's BizTalk Framework to facilitate seamless communication worldwide among meeting planners, hotels, convention centers, and all businesses associated with hospitality sales. The BizTalk Initiative represents the collective set of investments that Microsoft is making to fundamentally ease the integration process within and between companies. BizTalk Framework is based on the Extensible Markup Language (XML) and other Internet standards. Newmarket, a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider, engineers all of its sales automation and Web-enabled products on the Windows DNA platform technologies and its tools, including Component Object Model (COM) SQL Server 7.0, Windows 2000,Microsoft Commerce Server 2000, Host Integration Server 2000, Application Center 2000 and Visual Studio 6.0. 'Newmarket is helping to drive the hospitality industry toward automated B2B e-commerce,' said Kevin McCall, product manager, BizTalk Initiative, Microsoft Corp. 'The interconnectivity between Newmarket's SQL Server-powered automation programs with the growing host of Web-based RFP sites will enable thousands of hotels and businesses to instantly reap the benefits of B2B e-commerce.' Newmarket International President Steve Giblin regards the BizTalk Framework as the element that will allow MeetingBroker.com to seamlessly conduct business over the Internet. [...] First introduced in March 1999, the BizTalk Framework makes it fundamentally easier for businesses to exchange information between software applications and conduct business over the Internet with trading partners and customers. The BizTalk Framework includes an open design framework for implementing an XML schema and a set of XML tags used in messages sent between applications." For background and references, see "BizTalk Forum."

  • [March 15, 2000] "USADATA.com Joins Customer Profile Exchange (CPExchange) Working Group. Move confirms company's commitment to maintaining highest standards of consumer privacy." - "USADATA.com, a leading source of marketing research solutions over the Internet, today announced its participation in the Customer Profile Exchange Network (CPExchange) Working Group, confirming the company's commitment to play an active role in establishing and maintaining the highest standards of consumer privacy. Hosted by International Digital Enterprise Alliance (IDEAlliance), a neutral non-profit organization, the CPExchange initiative is to create vendor-neutral, open standards for facilitating the privacy-enabled exchange of customer information across varying and separate applications and systems. The CPExchange standard allows for the integration of online and offline data using eXtensible Markup Language (XML) while maintaining appropriate levels of consumer privacy at all times. 'For the new economy to work there has to be a foundation of trust and confidence established by marketers and the companies that serve them. We recognize that CPExchange is taking a leadership role in creating this environment, and we are excited to participate in the process,' said USADATA.com chief operating officer Bruce Meberg. 'We are extremely happy to welcome USADATA.com to CPExchange,' commented IDEAlliance chief information officer Pete Janhunen. "We look forward to working with them as we develop what promises to be the industry standard for the exchange of customer information'. The CPExchange Network Working Group is chaired by Siebel Systems, the Marketing Committee is co-chaired by net.Gensis and Vignette Corporation, and IBM chairs the Technical Committee. The CPExchange Network Working Group is hosted by IDEAlliance, a neutral, non-profit organization, which also hosts ICE, PRISM and several other leading XML working groups."

  • [March 14, 2000] "Adobe Announces New Versions of FrameMaker and FrameMaker + SGML for Large Document Publishing. Version 6.0 of the Multichannel Technical Publishing Software Features XML Output. FrameViewer 6.0 Also Announced Today." - "Continuing its leadership in helping organizations publish long, content-rich documents, Adobe Systems Incorporated today announced new versions of Adobe FrameMaker and FrameMaker + SGML software, its enterprise-class authoring and publishing solutions. New features offered in the FrameMaker 6.0 applications include enhanced web support and improved book management capabilities. Sophisticated XML output functionality and integration with Adobe Acrobat and AdobeGoLive provides a complete print-to-web, multichannel publishing solution. Multichannel publishing allows FrameMaker users to publish content to a variety of mediums-web, CD-ROM, print-utilizing leading technologies such as XML, HTML and PDF. FrameMaker 6.0 + SGML offers the same functionality as FrameMaker 6.0 with additional support for SGML, a required format for documentation in some industries. SGML enables organizations to share volumes of complex, frequently revised documents across applications and computer platforms in a variety of media-all while retaining the document's structure and organization. Version 6.0 features several significant updates, including: (1) Enhanced XML output through Quadralay software -- FrameMaker 6.0 includes WebWorks Publisher Standard Edition software from Quadralay. The inclusion of this software allows people to use next-generation web technology to produce interactive technical manuals, complete with intelligent search functions. Users can create XML documents that support both Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) capabilities, which means they control the exact presentation of all XML elements. Graphics of any format are automatically converted into user-defined online formats. (2) Increased Web Compatibility -- The addition of WebWorks Publisher Standard Edition software from Quadralay not only enhances XML output, but also provides FrameMaker users with enhanced HTML functionality that improves electronic page layout and allows them to convert complete books into HTML and Dynamic HTML (CSS). (3) Updated book management -- FrameMaker 6.0 allows for global search and replace of words, phrases, and more; as well as the ability to change document properties, check spelling and apply improved numbering schema book-wide. Improved search, indexing, copy/paste and content access -- Adobe FrameMaker 6.0 supports PDF 1.3 and Acrobat (4) Distiller 4.0, providing a foundation for the creation, access, and implementation of structured PDF information by next-generation applications. Structured Adobe PDF improves all aspects of document management with the introduction of structural tags that show where paragraphs start and end. These tags also help recognize tables, columns and rows." [PDF version, local archive copy]

  • [March 15, 2000] "DISA Propels New OpenTravel Alliance Customer Profile Specification." - "The new OpenTravel Alliance (OTA) customer profile message specification, developed in under 10 months, got a big boost from the support by the Data Interchange Standards Association (DISA). Beginning in September 1999, DISA provided technical and management assistance that culminated in OTA's version 1 released for public comment on Feb. 29. 'DISA offered much of the technical expertise to bring together the contributions of professionals from airlines, hotels, travel agencies, car rental companies, leisure travel vendors, and technology support services,' said OTA Board Chairman Jim Young of Continental Airlines. Providing an executive director, standards manager, and membership manager, DISA took the ideas of over 100 corporate members and crafted them into a specifications document now available for review on the OTA web site at www.opentravel.org. The OTA web site also offers a live demonstration of the customer profile that uses validated messages based on Extensible Markup Language (XML), the new high-powered web language designed for e-business. OTA, which only began in May 1999, now has over 100 members representing influential names in all sectors of the travel industry, including air, car rental, hotel, travel agencies, technology providers and related suppliers. The Alliance is comprised of five working groups air, car, hotel, leisure supplier, and non-supplier together with an interoperability committee to coordinate their efforts. OTA defined its open messages with XML that makes it possible to exchange business data seamlessly among different systems, companies, and industries over the World Wide Web. Promoting e-commerce in a global marketplace, DISA provides technical and management services to standards and XML specification development organizations, including the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) X12, OTA, the Interactive Financial Exchange Forum, the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization, and the XML/EDI Group." For background and references, see "OpenTravel Alliance (OTA)."

  • [March 14, 2000] "e-Travel, Inc. First to Announce Support for XML to Power Business-to-Business E-Commerce For the Travel Industry." - "e-Travel, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Oracle Corp., today announced that its latest release--Version 4.0--incorporates a state-of-the-art Extensible Markup Language (XML)-based architecture. XML allows e-Travel, its corporate customers and its direct link supplier partners to more efficiently exchange structured data, including traveler profiles and human resources information over the Internet in real-time. XML supports a broad range of information appliances, including traditional PCs and a new generation of Internet-enabled handheld devices, such as mobile phones and the Palm VII handheld. XML is also the document messaging language adopted by the Open Travel Alliance, an industry group responsible for the development and promotion of Internet-based standard formats for the communication of data between travelers and travel-related businesses, as well as among businesses themselves. These standards will encourage development of systems that can help create new collections of services to better meet the demands and expectations of travelers and the travel industry. Using XML, travel suppliers have the ability to differentiate their products and services in ways not previously possible, and can introduce new products and services."

  • [March 14, 2000] "Arbortext Continues Leadership Role in XML Standards With Support for XHTML 1.0 in e-Content Management Software." - "Arbortext, Inc., a leading provider of Extensible Markup Language (XML)-based e-Content management software, announced today their product support of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C's) Recommendation for XHTML 1.0. Available in Arbortext software products, this support provides customers a way to reformulate HTML 4 as XML. XHTML 1.0, a W3C Recommendation, allows authors to create Web documents that can be processed by XML-enabled software while still working with current HTML browsers. With XHTML 1.0, XML's promise of being able to mix and match known HTML 4 elements with elements from other XML languages is extended to more application domains including wireless devices and eBooks. Arbortext's XML-based e-Content management software continues to be developed to fully support the XML standards as they become available, like XHTML 1.0, giving their customers the opportunity to remain competitive in today's environment."

  • [March 10, 2000] "Industry Leaders Join Pacific Edge Software To Define the Project Management XML Schema. Flexible Business-to-Business Schema Enables Intelligent Project Data Exchange Between Information Systems." - "Pacific Edge Software Inc., a leading developer of project knowledge management (PKM) solutions for project-driven organizations, today announced that industry leaders including eProject.com, Great Plains, Onyx Software, PlanView, Primavera Systems, and Welcom have joined Pacific Edge Software to define the XML (Extensible Markup Language) schema for project management. The flexible, business-to-business schema will enable intelligent project data exchange between an organization's information systems. The coalition of collaboration technology, e-business solutions, customer relationship management (CRM), project management, workforce management and PKM companies will work together to forge an open industry standard by making modifications, extensions and enhancements to Pacific Edge Software's XML schema for project management. eProject.com, Great Plains, Onyx Software, PlanView, Primavera Systems and Welcom will work with Pacific Edge Software to update the Project Management XML schema on a regular basis. The schema and its source can be viewed at www.biztalk.org and http://www.pacificedge.com/xml. [...] Pacific Edge Software Inc. is a leading provider of project knowledge management solutions for project-driven organizations. The company's Project Office suite is a collaborative approach to the collection and distribution of project knowledge that everyone in an organization will use every day." See: "Project Management XML Schema."

  • [March 10, 2000] "X12 Committee Energizes Digital Marketplace Complementary EDI and XML Initiatives Support Broad Base of Users." - "As a key player in the development of the electronic economy, the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) X12 is accelerating its processes, expanding its reach to include extensible markup language (XML) and object oriented electronic data interchange (OO-EDI) and collaborating with related standards development initiatives. ASC X12's collaborative efforts with e-commerce organizations will help support the requirements of a broad base of users by bringing together the EDI foundation with XML development. To accomplish these objectives, the committee focused at its recent ASC X12 meeting on refining the goals of the newly created XML Task Group, which is charged with providing X12 input into complementary XML initiatives. This dynamic group covers the breadth of XML technical work and facilitates a forum for industry experts to address similar initiatives. In a parallel move, the X12 Committee actively participates in and formally endorses the Electronic Business XML (ebXML) initiative, which is working to provide an open XML-based infrastructure enabling the global use of electronic business information in an interoperable, secure and consistent manner by all involved parties. ASC X12 will pursue its XML development efforts within the framework being defined by ebXML. Furthermore, the committee encourages XML education and the development of emerging business requirements. ASC X12, comprised of cross-industry representation, delivers the most widely implemented EDI standards that interact with a multitude of e-commerce technologies and serves as the premier source for integrating electronic applications. Through the X12 Committee's standards and active participation in emerging and technically relevant initiatives, ASC X12 links together multiple industries and sets the norm for a more effective exchange of information. To learn more about ASC X12, visit www.x12.org. The Data Interchange Standards Association (DISA), a Virginia-based not-for-profit association, is the leading provider of educational and networking forums on e-business. Promoting e-commerce in a global marketplace, DISA provides technical and management services to standards and XML specification development organizations, including ASC X12, the OpenTravel Alliance, the Interactive Financial Exchange Forum, the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization, and the XML/EDI Group." For other references, see "ANSI ASC X12/XML and DISA."

  • [March 08, 2000] "Lighthouse Solutions and Arbortext to Partner For Multilingual Content Management. Will Offer a Joint XML-Based Solution for Managing Content in Multiple Languages." - "Lighthouse Solutions, Inc. announced today at the opening of the Localisation Industry Standards Association (LISA) spring conference that Lighthouse Solutions, Inc. and Arbortext have entered into a partnership agreement. Under the agreement, Lighthouse Solutions will supply XML-based multilingual content management technology (based on their new Xtopia//Server product) and integration services, in conjunction with Arbortext's XML authoring and publishing suite, to provide a complete multilingual production solution. Lighthouse Solutions, Inc., the leader in multilingual content management solutions, develops integration software and provides full-service analysis, consulting and system integration services. The primary focus is implementation of multilingual XML-based environments to support management and delivery of information in multiple languages. Its customer base includes industry-leading companies in the manufacturing, automotive, medical, and enterprise portal software markets. These customers include Freightliner Corporation, Medtronic, Datachannel, and Tweddle Litho Company."

  • [March 08, 2000] "Enhydra Open Source Java/XML Application Server Available for First Time On CD, Includes Inprise's JBuilder 3 Foundation. Open Source Enhydra to be distributed at ApacheCon, bundled with April issue of Enterprise Linux Magazine." - "Lutris Technologies, an Open Source enterprise software and services company, and sponsors of Enhydra, announced today at ApacheCon, that the Java/XML application server is available for the first time ever on CD. A CD containing Enhydra version 2.3, along with Inprise's JBuilder 3 Foundation and the Enhydra Tools for JBuilder, will be offered free of charge to attendees of this year's ApacheCon event and will be distributed along with the April issue of Enterprise Linux Magazine. Enhydra 2.3 includes tight integration with Inprise/Borland's JBuilder Foundation IDE, through the inclusion of a new product, the Enhydra Tools for JBuilder. The Enhydra Tools for JBuilder substantially increase the efficiency of Enhydra developers by giving them one consistent environment from which to design, debug, and compile their Enhydra applications. The Enhydra Tools for JBuilder work with JBuilder Foundation and upcoming releases of JBuilder Enterprise and Professional editions, Inprise's leading Java development environment, available on Linux, Windows, and Solaris. The integrated tools automatically configure Enhydra's application server for use within JBuilder. The Enhydra 2.3 CD distributed at ApacheCon will include the entire suite of products for Linux, Solaris and Microsoft Windows operating systems. The Enhydra Tools for JBuilder supports full integration with the JBuilder environment. An application wizard automatically generates an Enhydra application shell to rapidly create a new application within JBuilder, removing the structural preparation that is often required for building 3 tier applications. Similarly, an Enhydra XML Compiler (XMLC) Wizard is provided as a JBuilder add-in wizard, and appears as a JBuilder menu option automatically after installation. The XMLC Wizard walks developers through the process of targeting the HTML or XML files they want to compile, compiling the files, and then reviewing the compiled output and trace logs, all within the JBuilder environment. This streamlined development process makes it much easier for JBuilder users to develop scalable, highly maintainable Internet applications using Enhydra XMLC. A sample project which demonstrates techniques for creating dynamic web pages with Enhydra XMLC and JBuilder is also included."

  • [March 08, 2000] "Microsoft Announces Technology Tools For Helping Faculty Create and Manage Online Resources And Comply With Instructional Management System Standards. Office 2000 and FrontPage 2000 Add-Ins Available for Free to Educators and Corporate Users." - "Microsoft Corp. today announced new technology tools developed to empower faculty members to create and manage online learning resources with Microsoft Office 2000 in compliance with Instructional Management Systems (IMS) specifications, as well as a new set of resources to enhance educators' use of the Microsoft FrontPage 2000 Web site creation and management tool in the classroom. With the new IMS Meta-Data Add-In for Microsoft Office 2000 Professional and access to the add-in source code, which supports the IMS Learning Resource Meta-data specifications, educators using Office 2000 can easily create meta-data. In addition, using FrontPage 2000 and the new add-in, faculty members can design rich instructional Web sites and incorporate simple computer-based quizzing solutions into their instruction materials. The meta-data add-in for Office 2000 is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to support IMS. Last month Microsoft joined other e-learning community members to announce support for Learning Resource iNterchange (LRN), an XML-based schema developed by the IMS Global Learning Consortium and the software industry to define course content and allow organizations and e-learning providers to easily create and manage compatible online content. At that time Microsoft also released the LRN Toolkit, which provides content and technology partners with the resources to quickly create LRN-compatible content and applications, increasing the viability of online learning for knowledge workers. In addition, the company's online learning content from Microsoft Press, MSDN and Microsoft Official Curriculum will support LRN in all forthcoming content." See: "IMS Metadata Specification."

  • [March 08, 2000] "Free XML Junction to Be Distributed by Data Junction Corporation. XML Junction Delivers Robust Data Integration for e-Commerce Integration, B2B Data Exchange and Application Integration." - "Data Junction Corporation, developers of the world's most widely deployed data transformation software, today announced general availability of XML Junction. This major new release enables e-Commerce and Business Integration professionals to XML- enable virtually any application or data source for a full range of e-Commerce integration, application integration and business-to-business (B2B) data exchange projects. The product features automated creation of Document Type Definitions (DTDs) and XML documents as well as myriad data-mapping and data- manipulation capabilities. XML Junction is available only as a download at http://www.xmljunction.net, and is free to download until July 31, 2000. The product contains online documentation and tutorials. Once this promotion has ended, XML Junction will sell for $895. XML Junction leverages Data Junction's proven drag-and-drop interface and integration engine to rapidly map and transform more than 100 application and data formats to XML. DTDs and XML documents are automatically created with point-and-click ease, allowing data stored in any format (EDI, XML, SQL, Cobol, HL7, SAP, etc.) to be published to the web or exchanged with any external application -- even data stored in complex hierarchical structures. Furthermore, data stored in XML documents and traditional applications can be manipulated to ensure compliance with any standard, such as those utilized by BizTalk, Schema.net, Ariba's Commerce XML and Financial Products Markup Language (FpML), as well as non-XML business-to-business standards such as Open Buying on the Internet (OBI) and RosettaNet."

  • [March 07, 2000] "VoiceXML Forum Issues Version 1.0 of New Mark Up Language for Voice Internet Access. Number of Supporters Grows to 79." - "The VoiceXML Forum today announced it has completed the VoiceXML 1.0 specification, which is expected to expand the reach of the Internet by providing voice access to content and services. The Forum membership, which now numbers 79 companies, is reviewing the specification before it is submitted to the appropriate body for formal standardization. Based on the World Wide Web Consortium's industry-standard eXtensible Markup Language (XML), Version 1.0 of the VoiceXML specification provides a high-level programming interface to speech and telephony resources for application developers, service providers and equipment manufacturers. Standardization of VoiceXML will: (1) simplify creation and delivery of Web-based, personalized interactive voice-response services; (2) enable phone and voice access to integrated call center databases, information and services on Web sites, and company intranets; and (3) help enable new voice-capable devices and appliances. On the basis of the 0.9 version of the specification released last year, many companies have already begun implementing VoiceXML in their products and services, and a market for third-party VoiceXML application development has begun to emerge. The 1.0 version of the specification, currently being reviewed by Forum members, is now available to the public on the Forum's Web site. The VoiceXML 1.0 specification is based on years of research and development at AT&T, IBM, Lucent Technologies and Motorola, as well as comments from Forum members." See "VoiceXML Forum."

  • [March 07, 2000] "PTC Announces Alliance with RosettaNet to Promote e-Business Initiatives." - "PTC, leader in the collaborative product commerce (CPC) market, today announced it has entered into an alliance with RosettaNet, the industry body that establishes global standards for e-commerce transactions in the electronics industry. With its endorsement of the RosettaNet e-commerce standards, combined with its acquisition of software and developers from Nitidus Technologies, Inc., PTC continues to broaden its offering of collaborative product commerce (CPC) solutions while cultivating new business opportunities in the electronics industry. In today's expanding Internet economy, integrated collaboration with customers, suppliers, and partners is essential to maintaining a competitive advantage. Without a standard business interface, the ability of manufacturers and the entire value chain to leverage the Internet as a Business-to-Business (B2B) e-commerce tool is greatly inhibited. RosettaNet's efforts are symbiotic with PTC's CPC solutions because they create new areas of alignment within the supply chain to enable manufacturing companies to fully leverage the possibilities of the Internet. As a solutions partner, PTC is committed to implementing the Internet's eXtensible Markup Language (XML)-based RosettaNet Implementation Framework (RNIF) and its associated partner interface processes (PIPs) to help further extend the CPC capabilities of customers world-wide. According to James Baum, executive vice president of engineering, research and development for PTC, 'The technologies we've acquired from Nitidus, which have been demonstrated at RosettaNet's March eConcert convention, together with our XML-based Info*Engine enterprise application integration technology, uniquely position PTC as a critical infrastructure provider to the significant base of companies that are committing themselves to participate in RosettaNet-based e-commerce.' The addition of PTC's RosettaNet enablement solutions together with PTC's WindchillFactor! e-series, allows PTC's customers to proceed with confidence as they employ the Internet to realize the benefits of B2B commerce and Internet marketplace agility in the electronics industry." See "RosettaNet."

  • [March 07, 2000] "Microsoft and Leading Data Mining Vendors Line Up In Support of Data Mining Specification. OLE DB for Data Mining Beta Now Broadly Available." - "Microsoft Corporation today announced the beta release of the OLE DB for Data Mining specification, a protocol based on the SQL language, that provides software vendors and application developers with an open interface to more efficiently integrate data mining tools and capabilities into line-of-business and e-commerce applications. A dozen leading data mining and business intelligence vendors announced their support for the new protocol, which will enable diverse data mining products to more easily exchange data and results and allow developers to more easily incorporate data mining technology into existing data warehousing solutions. OLE DB for Data Mining has been under vendor review and modification since its introduction last May at Tech Ed '99 and now incorporates the Predictive Model Markup Language (PMML) standards from the Data Mining Group, an industry consortium that facilitates the creation of useful standards for the data mining community. PMML is an XML-based language that provides a quick and easy way for organizations to define and share data mining models between compliant vendors' applications. 'By incorporating the PMML standard, Microsoft has further strengthened an open specification for bringing data mining into analytical applications,' said Jack Noonan, president and CEO of SPSS. 'This means that a much broader group will now have a simple and accessible way to incorporate data mining models into the applications they build, increasing analytical power without increasing complexity'." . . . The beta specification for OLE DB for Data Mining is currently available at the Microsoft Web site... Data mining model (DMM): The DMM is like a relational table, except that it contains special columns that can be used for data training and prediction-making -- the DMM is the workhorse that both creates your prediction model and generates your predictions. Unlike a standard relational table, which stores raw data, the DMM stores the patterns discovered by your data mining algorithm. And for Web developers working on Web-based data mining projects, all of the structure and content of a DMM can be expressed as an XML string." See "Predictive Model Markup Language (PMML)."

  • [March 07, 2000] "General Automation, Inc. Launches XML Beta Program, The Backbone for eBusiness Success. eTools XML Beta Product Now Available for Review by Customers in The $3 billion MultiValue Marketplace." - "GA eXpress, formerly General Automation, today announced that it has officially launched the beta program for eTools XML, the company's flagship XML eCommerce development software. The new XML software, which was announced last month as part of the company's ePath strategy, gives GA eXpress customers a path to build an industry-compliant foundation for migrating, manipulating, moving and gathering critical business information electronically using eXtensible Markup Language (XML). The Reynolds and Reynolds Company, the leading provider of information management systems and services to more than 10,000 automotive retailers including Ford, General Motors and Toyota, is one of GA eXpress' first customers to test the eTools XML product. 'We are impressed by eTools XML's ease-of-use and robustness,' said Bob Schaefer, Senior Director of Marketing Technology for Reynolds and Reynolds. 'Unlike many other solutions on the market, eTools XML is easily integrated into existing applications and doesn't require many extra hours of programming. We anticipate that eTools XML will play a pivotal role in our quest to develop comprehensive eCommerce systems for our customers.' Scott Marshall, desktop solutions manager for Paradigm Technologies, a Denver-based provider of integrated financial and operational software solutions for the oil and gas industry, will also review GA eXpress' eTools XML beta product. 'We have already implemented eTools ODBC and found that it fully supported our goal to build comprehensive eCommerce systems for oil and gas producers so they can more accurately and efficiently enter, process, and review accounting, land and production data. We are enthusiastic about reviewing eTools XML. Given the strength and flexibility of GA eXpress' other eTools products, I'm certain eTools XML will be a key part of our eCommerce strategy'."

  • [March 07, 2000] "GE Global Exchange Services Ships XML Support in All Integration Brokers Within its Appfusion Portfolio. GE Global Exchange Services Makes Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) Using XML Available Around the Globe." - "At the company's annual conference, GE Global Exchange Services (GE) announced today the commercial availability of native XML support within the AppFusion product suite of integration brokers, which includes GE InterLinx, Application Integrator, and the Enterprise System. This announcement follows months of beta testing with several clients. GE Global Exchange Services was one of the few vendors selected to participate in the RosettaNet Partner Interface Process (PIP) pilot program and successfully implemented and demonstrated interoperability. Further beta testing was conducted outside of the RosettaNet community with vendors such as Lockheed Martin. The addition of XML support allows the AppFusion product suite to recognize the data type it is dealing with; as a result, the integration brokers can perform business rules upon the business object. The integration broker can inspect certain fields and values, route the business object to multiple destinations based on the content of these fields and transform the fields to other values or to completely new business objects using data transformation functions contained within the integration broker. GE Global Exchange Services has over 600 installations of integration brokers around the globe. Its portfolio supports integration brokers that run on both UNIX and NT. The integration broker family of products support six key layers of integration related technology: 1) business to business communications protocol support; 2) message handling services such as queuing, secure transport and addressing; 3) application interaction styles such as file transfer, and both asynchronous and synchronous messaging; 4) adapters to leading ERP packages and middleware support; 5) data transformation; and 6) business event processing such as business rules, routing, event notification and flow control. The AppFusion product portfolio includes: (1) Application Integrator, the leading data transformation engine on the market today has a patented process for performing data transformation via a one-pass process. The one-pass process enables it to handle data transformation in a real time manner to facilitate speed. Application Integrator is one of the few products on the market today that supports XML, EDI and user defined file formats including ODBC databases and is fully internationalized to provide support for multi-byte character sets. (2) GE InterLinx, a multipurpose integration broker that provides a platform upon which clients can centralize, expand, and manage their Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) and electronic commerce integration requirements. GE InterLinx allows clients to implement a flexible, standard method for integrating their new ERP systems with their legacy applications, extending those applications for e-commerce, integrating their web applications with ERP and legacy systems, and streamlining their entire supply-chain (3) Enterprise System, the most scalable UNIX based integration broker in the market today, is able to meet application-to-application, business-to- business and business-to-consumer integration requirements. Enterprise System enables companies to link disparate systems to improve data transfer, routing and tracking, ensuring that the right information gets to the right party in the right format. Our solution offers extensive electronic data interchange (EDI) value-added network (VAN) connectivity, enterprise resource planning (ERP) certification adapters, rich eXtensible markup language (XML) capability and web access components."

  • [March 07, 2000] "e-Travel, Inc. First to Announce Support for XML to Power Business-to-Business E-Commerce For the Travel Industry. Business/Technology Editors and Travel Writers." - "e-Travel, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Oracle Corp., today announced that its latest release--Version 4.0--incorporates a state-of-the-art Extensible Markup Language (XML)-based architecture. XML allows e-Travel, its corporate customers and its direct link supplier partners to more efficiently exchange structured data, including traveler profiles and human resources information over the Internet in real-time. XML supports a broad range of information appliances, including traditional PCs and a new generation of Internet-enabled handheld devices, such as mobile phones and the Palm VII handheld. XML is also the document messaging language adopted by the Open Travel Alliance, an industry group responsible for the development and promotion of Internet-based standard formats for the communication of data between travelers and travel-related businesses, as well as among businesses themselves. These standards will encourage development of systems that can help create new collections of services to better meet the demands and expectations of travelers and the travel industry. Using XML, travel suppliers have the ability to differentiate their products and services in ways not previously possible, and can introduce new products and services."

  • [March 07, 2000] "XAware.com Announces XML Tools for E-business. Software Enables Business Data Exchange While Maintaining. Investment in Existing Data Storage Infrastructure." - "XAware.com, a leading software vendor of e-business software, today announced release of its XA-BizTools V1.5 software suite. XA-BizTools is a core suite of XML-based development tools that enable companies to conduct business-to-business and business-to-consumer communication. "Business to-business and E-Commerce communications is growing at an ever-increasing rate," said Rohit Mital, president, XAware.com. 'XA-BizTools will help businesses quickly develop intra- and inter-company business communication technologies based on the industry-standard eXtensible Markup Language (XML).' Protecting Infrastructure Investment: Using XA-BizTools, companies can translate their data in traditional databases or mainframe applications to and from XML. Unlike other vendor products that seek to migrate enterprise data into native XML or object databases, the XA-BizTools suite provides a bi-directional XML translation service, so that current investments in databases and enterprise applications are preserved. By placing an XML 'face' on data, an enterprise can easily enable secure, bi-directional communication with suppliers, customers, partners, and internal departments, regardless of internal data formats. XA-BizTools also enables standard data formats within an enterprise, facilitating rapid enterprise application integration based on XML. Further, leading application vendors supporting XML, such as SAP, PeopleSoft, and Siebel, can now establish bi-directional, XML-based conversations with a company's other internal applications with minimal development effort."

  • [March 07, 2000] "Telera Adds SpeechWorks Speech Recognition Solution to Its Intelligent Business Communications Network. SpeechWorks and Telera Form Partnership to Bring a New Breed of XML Driven Voice Applications to the Market." - "Telera, the first Business Communications Application Service Provider (ASP) designed for the convergence of the Internet and telecommunications, today announced a strategic partnership with SpeechWorks International, Inc., the leader in speech recognition solutions for e-business. Through the partnership, Telera will embed SpeechWorks(R) into its Intelligent Communications Network. Telera's Intelligent Communications Network and the applications that run on it are built using standard XML-based protocols. This development environment allows the Telera/SpeechWorks partnership to deliver industry leading standards and platforms, including incorporating VoiceXML when the standard becomes available. Web, contact center and voice applications can be built by the same development team, using the same open standard and robust tools, and integrating in the same way to back-end enterprise databases."

  • [March 07, 2000] "XML Cover Pages Offers New Sponsorship Opportunities. Robin Cover's Web Page Provides Clearinghouse for Everything XML." - "The XML Cover Pages, hosted by OASIS, offer new sponsorship opportunities for what is widely regarded as the most comprehensive online reference work for XML and its parent, SGML. Formerly known as the SGML/XML Web Page, the XML Cover Pages feature an extensive reference collection of more than 2,400 documents on the application of markup language standards. More than 80,000 people visit this site each month, and many rely on its What's New column for daily updates on XML resources and industry initiatives. 'The XML Cover Pages play a unique role in the XML industry,' said Jon Bosak (Sun Microsystems), organizer of the working group that created XML. 'Robin has been the reference librarian for markup technology since before most of the world was aware that such a thing existed. The XML Cover Pages continue to be the authoritative guide to everything worth knowing about XML and SGML.' 'Everyone likes to say they support open standards. Sponsoring the XML Cover Pages gives my company the opportunity to stand out as a genuine advocate of XML standardization,' commented Carla Corkern, vice president of Isogen, an original OASIS sponsor of the Cover site. 'The exposure we receive from the XML Cover Pages is worth more to us--and says more about the kind of company we are--than any other marketing program I can imagine'..."

  • [March 03, 2000] "IPNet Solutions Showcases RosettaNet PIP At eConcert Day. Leading Provider of Virtual Trading Communities Drives E-Business Standards by Participating on RosettaNet Design Review Team." - "IPNet Solutions Inc., a provider of industry-leading XML-based eBusiness solutions, announced today that they will showcase its new RosettaNet Partner Interface Process (PIP) - order management - at RosettaNet's eConcert Day in Del Mar, Calif. The PIP enables trading partners of all sizes to view order status information using a standard Web browser and receive updates automatically by e-mail. A strong RosettaNet supporter and thought leader, IPNet is one of only seven companies selected to the newly formed RosettaNet Design Review Team. RosettaNet, an independent consortium of high technology manufacturers, distributors, resellers, end users and solution providers, develops and deploys common eBusiness interfaces to better align the processes between supply chain partners. eConcert Day is dedicated toward showcasing leading standards-based solutions. IPNet will showcase a PIP that enables a customer using XML (Extensible Markup Language) and browser-to-server access to expose purchase orders in Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) stylesheets to its trading partners. XSL allows users to easily view XML data in different presentation formats such as purchase orders and invoices. As part of this initiative, IPNet Solutions and Celarix, Inc. were the first to showcase their successful deployment in February 2000 of a RosettaNet-based e-ordering pilot for apparel retailer L.L. Bean, an existing customer of Celarix. This solution has the potential to enable L.L. Bean to communicate with its trading partners regarding order status information via a standard web browser, and without having to install any special software." See "RosettaNet."

  • [March 03, 2000] "BSQUARE Introduces World's First XML-based Remote Update Software For Windows CE-based Devices. Powerful software enables Windows CE devices to 'phone home' for software updates anytime, anywhere." - "BSQUARE Corporation announced today the world's first remote update software for intelligent computing devices based on the Windows CE operating system. BSQUARE's new CE Remote Updater is an off-the-shelf software development kit for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) creating devices that will need to update data, software applications, device configuration or even the operating system itself from a remote location. CE Remote Updater uses an XML command file to control the update process and standard HTTP, FTP and CIFS (Common Internet File System) protocols for accessing update files."

  • [March 02, 2000] "Bluestone Software Contributes Freeware To XML/Java Movement. XwingML Accelerates the Learning Curve for Early Adopters of XML/Java Tools." - "Bluestone Software, Inc., an independent leader in Enterprise Interaction Management with Sapphire/Web, today spearheaded the early adoption of XML (Extensible Markup Language)/Java by debuting XwingML (pronounced zwing-M-L). XwingML is a public domain contribution from Bluestone labs that accelerates the learning curve for early adopters of XML/Java tools. Available today, XwingML is provided free-of-charge by Bluestone and can be downloaded at http://www.bluestone.com. Companies today are endeavoring to integrate legacy applications within the organization, as well as more efficiently exchange data with the external world. XML is emerging as the communications standard for the masses because of its simple English programming and self-documenting facility. The promise of XML will significantly facilitate application-to-application, business-to-business communication, and the integration of the virtual corporation. XwingML was developed by Bluestone labs as the framework for creating Bluestone's commercial dynamic XML products - Bluestone XML-Server, the industry's first dynamic XML server, and Bluestone Visual-XML, an approachable and easy-to-use toolkit for building XML applications. XwingML version 1.0 is an innovative development platform for merging XML and Java code. XwingML comes with a standard Document Type Definition (DTD) that defines the entire Swing/Java Foundation Class (JFC) set of classes and properties, as well as providing support for all Swing/JFC Listeners. (Swing is the set of graphical components in Java 2 that allows users to do Java graphical programming.) Complete with sample templates for a wide variety of GUI interfaces (i.e., menus, frames, and dialogs), users easily author XML documents in simple English, which XwingML reads and dynamically creates the Java GUI. The end-result is the ability to easily create a Java GUI - without writing any Java code."

  • [March 01, 2000] "Metrix Selects Sun's Forte Fusion EAI Suite to Simplify Integration with Enterprise Packages and Legacy Applications. Forte Adapter for Metrix 4 Enables ProductService CRM Integration with SAP, Oracle, Baan, Siebel, Clarify and Vantive." - "Metrix, Inc. today announced that it has become a value-added reseller of Sun Microsystems, Inc.'s Forte Fusion enterprise application integration (EAI) software. The Forte Fusion suite includes a Forte Adapter for Metrix, which enables customers to integrate Metrix's ProductService CRM product suite, Metrix 4, with other enterprise applications including SAP, Oracle, Baan, Siebel, Clarify and Vantive. The Forte Adapter for Metrix enables Metrix's clients to integrate multiple applications through Forte's rules-based architecture and the use of eXtensible Markup Language (XML), rather than by hard-coded programming languages. The Forte Fusion EAI suite enables enterprises to integrate multiple business applications and create a seamless business process for the enterprise and the Web. Metrix 4 offers superior visibility and control over inventory, contracts and resources for field service and repair center operations. Filling the gap for product service within enterprise-wide CRM, it combines deep functionality and the power of the Internet with a component-based, N-tier architecture for companies that differentiate themselves with superior customer service. The Forte Fusion EAI suite allows integrated business processes to be deployed across multiple application systems, providing a basis for creating effective e-commerce solutions. Forte Fusion software combines a market-leading business process engine with integrated development facilities and a native HTTP messaging backbone. Data integration is based on an innovative use of XML with XSL-based data mapping and transformation. Package adapters are provided for many popular applications, together with an Adapter SDK for custom applications. The Forte Fusion integration suite provides a truly enterprise class solution, including mainframe support."

  • [March 01, 2000] "Webb Interactive Services Launches Jabber, Inc.-XML Based Instant Messaging; Establishes Initial Advisory Board of Open Source Luminaries." - "Webb Interactive Services Inc., a leading application provider for small business and local commerce, today announced the formation of Jabber, Inc., a subsidiary focused on the commercialization of a revolutionary open source, XML-based instant messaging platform. Webb's pioneering role in the integration of this innovative technology will allow the XML open source platform to become a foundation of advanced commerce, customer service, as well as mobile and enterprise applications. Jabber Inc. (http://www.jabber.com available for viewing on March 6), established as a wholly owned Webb subsidiary, is designed to share ownership with open source developers, and strategic and financial partners in the future. Jabber, Inc. is being created to capitalize on the commercial opportunities with instant messaging and the XML-based, open source movement of Jabber.org. Jabber is the only XML-based, open source instant messaging platform and within the last year has seen radical momentum growth within the developer community, with more than 800 registered developers, nearly 300 actively assigned to open source instant messaging sub-projects. Webb Interactive Services provides innovative online commerce solutions that help small businesses generate leads, increase buyer-seller interaction, and strengthen customer relationships. Instant Messaging is integral to Webb's development of market place solutions that encourage interaction between buyers and sellers. Webb has integrated Jabber into its advanced XML-based technology platform, upon which it provides application services that lead the convergence of instant messaging and commerce. Webb clients include CBS Switchboard, Inc., SmallOffice.com, Corel Corporation and RE/MAX International, Inc."

  • [March 01, 2000] "The E-Content Company Launches First XML-Based News Portal for Wireless Web Users. www.xwap.net Delivers Customized News Information According to Presentation Requirements of Wireless Devices." - "The e-content company, a division of Interleaf, Inc. and leader in delivering XML-based content management solutions for e-business, today launched www.xwap.net, the first pure XML-based news portal designed to deliver content to a variety of wireless devices by leveraging the power of XML and XSL. Powered by the e-content company's X-WAP (XML Wireless Application Product), a technological breakthrough using XML and XSL to deliver XML-based content to wireless devices, www.xwap.net provides customized information on current events, weather, sports and other topics of interest. Using www.xwap.net, companies can experience the strength and capabilities of X-WAP first-hand and see how they can extend their enterprise e-business by easily distributing information to any wireless device. www.xwap.net is powered by the BladeRunner integrated eXtensible Markup Language (XML) and eXtensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) technology base. This pure XML/XSL architecture makes it possible for the site to dynamically recognize client devices and style content according to the display requirements of each receiving device. While other wireless Web sites arbitrarily delete content to fit specific display requirements of wireless devices, or dedicate multiple repositories for a specific device type, www.xwap.net features a single repository to store all content, eliminating the need to duplicate content to meet the specific display requirements of each device. Through the power of XSL, enterprises can now significantly extend the reach of their web applications by seamlessly transforming XML business content into any presentation format. As a result, X-WAP is the most scalable, easy-to-administer solution for supporting the range of Internet-capable wireless devices, including cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, e-books and pagers." For references on WAP, see "WAP Wireless Markup Language Specification (WML)." See also "Siemens Business Services and the E-Content Company Partner to Target Wireless Web Market."

  • [March 01, 2000] "STC Joins RosettaNet to Help Champion New Industry-Wide B2B Exchange Standards. XML Interfaces Implemented Through STC's B2B Integrator -- e*Gate -- Enables True e-Business." - "STC, a leading global provider of e-Business application integration (eAI) packaged solutions, announced today it has joined RosettaNet as a Solution Partner to advance the deployment of new business-to-business exchange standards. RosettaNet, a consortium of more than 60 businesses that represent more than $600 billion in revenue, develops universal business processes that enable members of the information technology (IT) and electronic components (EC) supply chains to share and distribute information between systems. With the recent dramatic growth of business-to-business exchanges, it is crucial that companies' systems are interoperable with other systems in their supply chain. By deploying the standardized e-Business processes developed by RosettaNet, STC enables members of the IT supply chain -- including manufacturers, distributors, resellers and customers -- to conduct transactions over the Web in a synchronized, integrated manner. The underlying XML language of the interfaces developed by RosettaNet allows online exchange participants to connect to their partners and their customers. All pieces of the supply chain can be integrated and managed using e*Gate and RosettaNet's Implementation Framework and Partner Interface Processes (PIPs), a series of system-to-system XML-based dialogs that define how business processes are conducted. This includes configuration and order management, planning and scheduling, procurement, manufacturing, distribution and product and order status information. Companies realizing the value of RosettaNet's standards and embracing them include 3Com, AMEX, Cisco Systems, Dell, CompUSA, FedEx, GEIS, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Pioneer, and SAP." See "RosettaNet."

  • [March 01, 2000] "Datasweep Announces Support for XML as Third Option for Supply Chain Manufacturing Collaboration. Leader in Web-Centric Supply Chain Manufacturing Supports XML to Meet Growing Demand for Seamless B2B Supply Chain, Internal and Cross Company Collaboration." - "Datasweep, Inc., a leading provider of Web-centric supply chain manufacturing solutions, today announced support of XML (Extensible Markup Language) for internal and cross-company collaboration with eBusiness applications such as ERP, CRM and PDM within the supply chain. XML gives customers a third option in addition to the Web-based option, which is native to Datasweep, and the data mart to data mart alternative of communication. By including XML functionality in its flagship product, Datasweep Advantage, Datasweep becomes the first and only supply chain manufacturing solution that allows customers to share manufacturing information in three ways: native Web browser connection, transfer of production information from data mart to data mart, and now XML for integration or communication with legacy manufacturing systems. This move demonstrates Datasweep's commitment to present customers with a number of options for obtaining visibility and integration of product information across plants or companies in the supply chain. By working with the Datasweep Advantage, a manufacturer update or share production information like device history records across applications or companies in three ways: (1) Updating changes to the record directly into an OEMs Datasweep application via the Web; (2) Using Datasweep's integrated data mart to send the information from a contract manufacturer's instance of Datasweep to an OEM's version of Datasweep to another Datasweep data mart or to another data mart via XML; (3) Exporting a device history record from Datasweep via XML to share with ERP, CRM or PDM systems for product management or to legacy manufacturing applications across companies should they be capable of sending or receiving XML in the future."

  • [March 01, 2000] "Phase Forward Simplifies Clinical Trial Design to Accelerate Time-to-Start. InForm Architect Provides Powerful Collaborative Trial Design Capability." - "Phase Forward Incorporated today announced a new XML-based authoring tool for the collaborative design of Web clinical trials, dramatically improving trial efficiency, reducing errors and accelerating the time-to-start for clinical trials. The new InForm Architect(TM) product features case report form (CRF) design, and edit check construction in an interactive validation environment. InForm Architect is the only available solution that provides pharmaceutical companies with collaborative communication among design team members, optimizes the design and approval cycle, and simplifies the validation process. InForm Architect will play a critical role in minimizing the time and cost of trial development, and in enabling clinical trial sponsors to accelerate the delivery of new drugs and devices to market. InForm Architect substantially reducing the time to design and test Web CRFs. InForm Architect has a simple graphical user interface, allowing 'drag and drop' creation of forms, rules and calculations. The team can view the CRF as it will be implemented in InForm, and simultaneously create a structured XML file using MedML, an emerging industry standard XML definition developed by Phase Forward. Design teams can literally create all of the CRF forms during a project meeting. As pharmaceutical companies look for ways to get drugs to market faster, a key focus is the length of time that it takes from designing a protocol to patient enrollment. The process of enrolling sites, the Institutional Review Board review, clinical data management/biostatistics review, and investigator meetings often leads to significant protocol changes during the critical weeks before a clinical trial starts. Additionally, the clinical trial team has to design CRFs that capture the appropriate clinical trial data, a daunting task when the protocol is continuously changing. Frequently, users have to create up to 40 unique forms, taking weeks to perform this extremely tedious and labor-intensive process."

  • [March 01, 2000] "Novell Teams with ALPNET to Accelerate Enterprise-Wide Multilingual Solutions for the Internet." - "ALPNET, Inc., a world leader in Multilingual Business to Business (B2B) Services, announced today that Novell, Inc. has joined the ALPNET Community Source Program. The Community Source Program focuses on accelerating the development and the integration of enterprise-wide Multilingual B2B solutions for the Internet ('.com') world. The ALPNET Community Source Program is based on the joint technology development between ALPNET and Sun Microsystems, Inc. As a community member Novell will benefit from participating in driving the technology and solution direction as well having access to the jointly developed code base. ALPNET will deploy the technology internally to the benefit of its clients. The ALPNET Community Program will extend the Multilingual Information Technology to better leverage the Internet including support for Java technology-based components, XML/SGML processing and the integration of Business to Business (B2B) eCommerce solutions. The community's ultimate objective is to reduce costs and turnaround time in managing their worldwide multilingual information strategy. Novell recognizes ALPNET's capability to '.com' the Multilingual Information Services market place. As the inventor of translation technology and with the announced release of its ALPNETXchange ASP service, ALPNET remains one of the most innovative leaders in the industry. The Community Program further demonstrates ALPNET's leadership in helping companies address their worldwide information requirements. ALPNET provides solution design, consulting and system integration services in support of the jointly developed technology. ALPNET helps clients improve efficient distribution of multilingual information with the optimal use of language technology, industry standards such as SGML and XML, and process refinement." [OpEd: Never mind B2B for the moment: how about person-to-person, day-to-day? The XML 1.0 specification provides a facility for encoding and processing "text" in a way that honors its (natural or formal) language properties: the xml:lang attribute. As implemented in the XML spec, this attribute is not fine-grained enough to get the job done, but the world would be a much better place if everyone used xml:lang. We all realize that pieces of text instantiating written language, in fact, are written in some language. But we forget -- until we execute a search on the Internet -- that language, as a fundamental property of text, is vital to machine processing. A system should know what language a piece of text is in so that spell checking programs, hyphenation algorithms, indexing engines, thesaurus programs, keyboard management, sorting/collating programs, queries, etc. actually work. Unicode is slightly smarter than ASCII, but not fundamentally so, since character/glyph/script/font have nothing to do with language per se; we can write Arabic language in Hebrew and vice-versa. The system can know what language a piece of text is "in" only if we tell it. Right?]

  • [March 01, 2000] "Arbortext Provides Additional Platform Support For IBM AIX, HP UX and Compaq Tru64 UNIX in Their XML-based eContent Management System. Industry leading eContent software now supports all major operating systems." - "Arbortext, Inc., a leading provider of Extensible Markup Language (XML)-based eContent software, announced today the mid-March availability of an upgrade to Adept 9.0 that supports additional major operating systems so that customers have even more options to deliver richer, more convenient and more personalized content to the Web. In addition to Adept 9.0.1, the products upgraded in this release include Epic version 3.0.1 and Adept Editor LE version 9.0.1. Also included in this upgrade are localized user interfaces for additional languages and product enhancements. Turbo Styler. Turbo Styler, previously unavailable in Adept Editor LE, is a feature now available in every Arbortext product that helps users quickly and easily develop online stylesheets and prototypes for print stylesheets. Automatic DTD compile function. For customers who load an XML or SGML instance where Adept or Epic can't immediately locate the DTD, this enhancement allows the user to browse for the associated DTD on the local hard drive, on the network or on the Web, then automatically compile it, and launch Turbo Styler to create a stylesheet. POET adapter: available as an additional purchase option, the POET adapter enables customers to connect Arbortext's XML and SGML products to POET Software Corporation's content management system, enabling them to take advantage of version control, author permissions, and other content management functionality. Language support: included with this product upgrade is a localized user interface in French, German and Spanish."

  • [February 29, 2000] "Premier E-Commerce Group Navigates XML Development, Teams with Mortgage Industry." - "The ever-expanding e-commerce organization, Data Interchange Standards Association (DISA), endorsed a contract to provide its collaborative services to Mortgage Bankers Association of America's (MBA) Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO). Partnering with an array of groups developing XML specifications, DISA will work with MISMO to craft a Mortgage Data Dictionary, an Extensible Markup Language (XML) representation of mortgage data, a mortgage data model, and repository tools. Working to consolidate independent XML initiatives within the industry and to provide comprehensive business solutions for the real estate finance industry, MISMO is comprised of organizations such as Freddie Mac, Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corporation, First American Financial Corporation and many others. MISMO's recent formation of a Governance Committee, charged with developing an infrastructure that supports the different segments of the mortgage industry, propels the organization's policies and procedures. To unify proprietary XML formats, MISMO's first objective is to establish a core data set to develop the data dictionary for the mortgage industry. MISMO's ultimate goal is to provide a single repository of XML document type definitions (DTD) schema for real estate finance transactions, developed in a vendor-neutral environment. MISMO anticipates the release of its first specification, 1.0, to occur in early April 2000. Offering today's XML development organizations an array of collaborative services, DISA also plays an active role in groups, such as the OpenTravel Alliance (OTA), the Interactive Financial Exchange (IFX) Forum, the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) X12, the XML/EDI Group and many others. With expertise on metadata specification and XML DTD schema development, DISA's collaborative services offers its clients everything from membership management administration and information technology services to standards development operations and database publishing. DISA, a Virginia-based not-for-profit association, is the leading provider of educational and networking forums on e-business. Promoting e-commerce in a global marketplace, DISA provides technical and management services to standards and XML specification development organizations, including MISMO, OTA, the IFX Forum, the XML/EDI Group, and ASC X12." See: "Mortgage Bankers Association of America XML Workgroup."

  • [February 29, 2000] "Unify eWave Commerce Delivers Next Generation, Component-Based E-commerce Solutions." - Unify Corporation, a leading provider of software solutions for e-commerce, today announced the availability of Unify eWave Commerce, the most advanced Java-based enterprise-wide e-commerce system available. Unify eWave Commerce enables companies to build powerful B2B and B2C solutions using enterprise-level pre-built components, such as shopping carts, order management, payment processing, and merchandise management, in less time and with lower up-front costs. Unify eWave Commerce extends the Unify eWave product family, the first end-to-end e-commerce solution based on an open, component-based, scalable architecture. Based on Java, XML, and Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE), Unify eWave Commerce provides a component framework that enables traditional 'brick and mortar' companies to seamlessly integrate all business applications to create an online enterprise. Unify eWave is platform independent, which enables e-commerce business logic created with Unify eWave Commerce to be ubiquitous across virtually all operating systems, hardware platforms and database systems. Its architecture is based on distributed object computing and utilizes the most important new advances in Web technology such as XML for data encapsulation. The n-Tier architecture enables reusable components and distributed operations to manage large volumes of Internet transactions. Unify eWave Commerce captures all orders in common XML, which offers the greatest flexibility in order/transaction management and integration."

  • [February 29, 2000] "OpenTravel Alliance's New XML Specification Creates a Common Customer Profile for Travelers." - "Charged with crafting Internet specifications based on the Extensible Markup Language (XML), the OpenTravel Alliance (OTA) released today a draft of its first specification for public comment. OTA version 1 tackles the complex subject of customer profiles that cuts across travel industry sectors. This first specification demonstrates the ability of OTA's infrastructure and process to achieve this goal, and do it quickly. OTA developed the specification with a key objective of letting customers enter their basic data and travel preferences just once, no matter how many travel suppliers and intermediaries are involved in a trip. Achieving this goal required OTA to create a common vocabulary for the travel industry, taking advantage of the extensible nature of XML that still allows for more growth later if needed. A live demonstration of OTA version 1 messages shows that travel companies can begin using the specification right away. The demonstration, accessible from the OTA web site, www.opentravel.org, lets visitors create, read, update and delete simple customer profiles with valid XML messages. McCord Travel and Airline Automation Inc. developed the demonstration on behalf of OTA. OTA, which only began in May 1999, now has over 100 members representing influential names in all sectors of the travel industry, including air, car rental, hotel, travel agencies, technology providers and related suppliers. The Alliance is comprised of five working groups -- air, car, hotel, leisure supplier, and non-supplier -- together, with an interoperability committee to coordinate their efforts. OTA defined its open messages with XML, the new high-powered language that makes it possible to exchange business data seamlessly among different systems, companies, and industries over the World Wide Web." For background and references, see "OpenTravel Alliance (OTA)."

  • [February 28, 2000] "DISA's E-Business and Internet Conference Announces Futurist Panel, XML Executive Forum, and Industry Roundtables. Executives from Dell, IBM, and Intel to Discuss E-Commerce Success Stories. XML Roundtable Asks 'Is XML the Next Big Thing in Business Data Exchange?'." - "The Data Interchange Standards Association (DISA), a leading industry association for providing educational and networking forums on e-Business, today announced several high-profile events addressing critical e-Business infrastructure issues, including XML, Enterprise Application Integration (EAI), supply chain technologies, etc. to take place at its 13th annual E-Business and Internet Conference to be held in Boston, April 25-28th. The focus of this forum will address the question: 'Is XML really the next big thing in business data exchange?' Attendees will learn first hand from companies and industries planning and actually exchanging XML messages over the Web. Martin LaMonica, news editor of InfoWorld will moderate this forum. Participants include Fadi Chehade, co-founder and CEO, RosettaNet and vice president, Customer Information Services Group, Ingram Micro; Kit Needham, senior director, BITS and chair, IFX Forum Board and Steering Committee; and John Quinn, principal, National Health Consulting Practice, Ernst & Young and chair, Technical Steering Committee, Health Level Seven (HL7). These executives will discuss their views of the future of business data exchange and the role of EDI working with (or against) XML. The panel will address XML's role in meeting critical business goals, and how the world of Web-based commerce makes XML more of an imperative. The roundtable will discuss the future direction of e-Commerce within government agencies. Attendees will learn about the new government e-Commerce policies and programs. This roundtable will address government initiatives in procurement, logistics, transportation, healthcare, and electronic payments. [. . .] DISA, a Virginia-based not-for-profit association, is the leading provider of educational and networking forums on e-Business. Promoting e-commerce in a global marketplace, DISA provides technical and management services to standards and XML specification development organizations, including the Open Travel Alliance, the Interactive Financial Exchange Forum, Mortgage bankers Association of America's Mortgage Industry Standards maintenance Organization, the XML/ EDI Group, and the Accredited Standards Committee X12. DISA's affiliation with the Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association, EC User Groups and emerging initiatives around the world facilitates an interchange of e-Commerce topics hitting the marketplace. In other international arenas, DISA and ASC X12 serve as the entry point for the United States into the United Nations/ Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport ( UN/EDIFACT ), an international standard relating to the exchange of trade goods and services."

  • [February 28, 2000] "BrainStorm Group Announces Executive Advisory Board for 2000 XMLeadership Series." - "BrainStorm Group today announced its XMLeadership Conference executive advisory board consisting of leading analysts, noted experts, independent consultants and experienced practitioners. The XMLeadership 2000 Series will be held in Orlando, April 3-5 at the Orange County Convention Center/The Peabody Orlando and October 2-4 at the Fairmont Atop Nob Hill. The XMLeadership Conference is designed to provide business and IT leaders with a clear understanding of the strategic benefits of XML as well as address the business impact of XML on B2B integration, e-commerce and the Internet. The Executive Advisory Board is comprised of the following experts, analysts, executives and editors, each of them bringing his or her own expertise to the board and program: Charles F. Goldfarb, Conference Chairman & Principal, Information Management Consulting; JP Morgenthal, Author of Enterprise Application Integration with XML & Java; Laura Walker, Executive Director of OASIS; Marion Elledge, Senior Vice President, Graphic Communications Association; William M. Ulrich, President, Tactical Strategy Group; Philip Russom, Director, Hurwitz Group; John Desmond, Editorial Director, Software Magazine; Tony Brown, Editor, eAI Journal; Ajit Sagar, Editor in Chief, XML Journal; Beth Gold-Bernstein, Vice President Content Services, IT Quadrant; and Linda Burman, President, L.A. Burman Associates. Association & Media Co-sponsors of the 2000 events include: Arbortext, Ardent Software, BlueStone, eAI Journal, eBusiness Technologies, Electronic Commerce World, Enterprise Development, Enterprise Systems Journal, Cutter Consortium, Graphic Communications Association, Hurwitz Group, International Software Group, IT Careers, ITQ.com , MessageQ.com, OASIS, RioLabs, Software Magazine, Sequoia Software, WebTechniques, XMLSolutions, XML Journal, XML Magazine, and XML.com. Based in Northboro, Massachusetts, BrainStorm Group, Inc. was founded in 1997 by Gregg V. Rock with the intent of establishing itself as the premier producer and developer of high technology conferences and trade show events."

  • [February 28, 2000] "VSI Targets Business-To-Business Market With First Commercial Application to Bind XML to JavaBeans. New Breeze XML Studio Provides Powerful B2B and EAI Development Tool, With No Coding to the DOM." - "VSI (V-Systems Inc.), a company dedicated to Bridging the Gap between Business and E-Business, Monday announced the immediate availability of Breeze XML Studio (Breeze), "The E-Business Accelerator" -- the first commercially available development environment that binds XML to JavaBeans. Breeze provides Java and XML developers with a more natural and productive method for building XML-based business-to-business (B2B) and Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) solutions. Breeze enables Java developers to create, access and transport XML-based objects through JavaBeans bound directly to XML data elements. More descriptively, XML element and attribute names immediately translate into Java class fields. XML structures then become Java classes. From there, related XML structures emerge as Java packages. The unique capabilities of Breeze contributed to the formation of a strategic alliance between VSI and Software AG of Darmstadt, Germany, which was announced by the companies today. Breeze will be integrated and distributed with Software AG's X-Studio, which is the developer part of Software AG's XENON architecture for XML based applications. Breeze also provides a powerful Java language interface for all XML messages processed by XENON's native XML database, Tamino."

  • [February 27, 2000] "Fiorano Launches FioranoMQ 4.0 B2B Edition With XML Interoperability. FioranoMQ 4.0 Delivers Fastest Messaging Server with B2B Interoperability Based on Java Technology, and XML Standards." - "Fiorano Software, Inc., a leading provider of standards-based, Java technology messaging solutions, today announced version 4.0 of the FioranoMQ B2B Edition -- the fastest Java technology-based enterprise messaging server with key new features including enhanced security, XML interoperability, and web-based access. FioranoMQ 4 - B2B Edition is the fastest Java messaging server for building scalable and secure B2B applications enabling organizations to effectively integrate business processes between trading partners and across entire supply chains. Version 4.0 includes superior B2B integration using the XML Interoperability toolkit, unmatched security with software firewalls, full web-integration through HTTP tunneling, and message snooping APIs. Now enterprise developers can use the XML Interoperability Toolkit to create scalable applications that can be extended to communicate with any external system including those from trading partners, customers, suppliers, and distributors. FioranoMQ 4.0 also allows administrators to configure Software Firewalls, a unique messaging filtering system for creating highly secure, message applications. Plus, web access support enables web-based clients to access any enterprise Java technology-based messaging system for delivering truly distributed Internet applications. FioranoMQ 4.0 fully complies with the Java Message Server (JMS) 1.02 specification. JMS is a key component of Sun Microsystem's Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition for the delivery of scalable, enterprise applications." See also "JMS: An infrastructure for XML-based business-to-business communication. Learn how the Java Messaging Service can provide a flexible, reliable, and secure means of exchanging XML-based transactions" [JMS-XML Tutorial, by Gordon Van Huizen]

  • [February 27, 2000] "XML-Based B2B Solutions from Watershed Technologies Extend IONA's iPortal Suite." - IONA Technologies, the Enterprise Portal Company, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase substantially all of the assets of Watershed Technologies of Waltham, Massachusetts for $13.2 million in cash and IONA stock. This acquisition is expected to be accounted for as a purchase and is expected to close in the March quarter. Watershed Technologies is a privately held company that provides XML-based tools and services for building standards-based business-to-business and business-to-consumer portals. The addition of Watershed's XML technology and services to IONA will enhance the iPortal Suite and strengthen IONA's ability to deliver it to market. Watershed's product offerings enhance IONA's iPortal Server component of the iPortal Suite by delivering management capabilities for XML, SOAP, Enterprise Java Beans, B2B interaction capabilities, portal and GUI frameworks for content and presentation development, and vertical market portal templates for industries such as healthcare. These standards-based technologies will be incorporated as plug-ins into the iPortal Server."

  • [February 27, 2000] "Input Software To Showcase New XLM-Based Product At The Internet And Electronic Commerce Conference. President and CEO Kimra Hawley Speaks on XML as an Enabler of E-Business." - "Input Software, Inc., today announced that it will showcase its new XML-based e-commerce infrastructure product, DynamicInput, at the Internet and Electronic Commerce (iEC) Conference, February 29 - March 3 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, New York. DynamicInput uses XML to enable dynamic, intelligent, Web interactions, making it easier and less frustrating to rapidly complete complex business transactions online. DynamicInput also enables the rapid integration of e-content with enterprise systems to speed e-business deployment and help secure market share. DynamicInput is an excellent example of how XML can be used to conduct e-commerce transactions in real-time. DynamicInput uses XML to create a personalized, dynamic dialog with the user. Instead of having to wait while information that the user supplies is being processed by the server, DynamicInput allows the business rules to be processed locally in standard web browsers, without the need to download plug-ins or even Java applets. With DynamicInput, each mouse click causes the presentation of transaction content to change instantaneously. This is especially important on e-commerce sites that sell complex goods and services such as financial services or insurance, and B2B net marketplaces that facilitate complex transactions between business partners."

  • [February 26, 2000] "Made2Manage Systems Publishes XML Sales Order Schema to Biztalk.org for Business-to-Business Support." - Made2Manage Systems, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise business systems for small and midsize enterprise (SME) manufacturers, today announced the development and publication of its customer sales order schema to the BizTalk.org Web server. Utilizing the Extensible Markup Language (XML) guidelines prescribed by the BizTalk Framework standard, Made2Manage furthers its commitment to XML and BizTalk. The schema, an XML document format, will allow any approved business partner to submit customer orders to the Made2Manage system electronically. Made2Manage's Web-based order entry system will utilize the schema to submit orders from an ISP remote-hosted Web site to the main database in an asynchronous fashion."

  • [February 25, 2000] "Accelr8 Technology Submits DTD to OASIS." - Accelr8 Technology Corporation announced today that it has submitted a Document Type Definition (DTD) for publication to OASIS for its Extensible Markup Language (XML) for its newest Legacy Modernization offerings. The DTD submitted by Accelr8 is the framework that allows companies with legacy applications using data files to get relational like access to that data and to make that information available to web applications such as Business-to-Business pipelines. Accelr8's DTD covers Open VMS RMS. As part of its role in setting standards for legacy systems integration, Accelr8 is planning to publish additional DTDs that will allow other legacy system data types to be readable and accessible under XML format... 'Modern databases generally have XML capabilities in their latest releases, but this DTD is for those legacy applications that have no existing XML capabilities,' said Kent Gestring, Accelr8's Director of Technical Services. 'Accelr8's DTD for RMS is designed to serve as the basis of XML enablement of any VMS-based application that stores its RMS data in Indexed, Sequential or Relative file structures. XML is important to the efficient integration of legacy systems'."

  • [February 25, 2000] "ACORD Subcommittees Approve the Adoption of XML Insurance Transactions." - "Through the ACORD standards-setting process, both Property/Casualty and Life subcommittees have voted to adopt the first insurance industry standard XML transactions. Called ACORD XML for P&C Insurance and ACORD XML for Life Insurance, the transaction standards adopted have been developed through a cooperative process involving hundreds of organizations from the insurance and related financial services industries. ACORD XML is based on existing ACORD standards, thereby easing migration to XML, a cross-industry e-commerce standard for business-to-business and business-to-consumer transactions. The ACORD XML initiatives focus on defining a set of standards detailing interfaces, data, and error processing relevant to insurance business functions. These standards enable real-time exchange of information and integration of systems used in day-to-day operations for processing insurance. They enable insurance carriers to face the challenge of providing a single set of views or interfaces into their supporting back-end systems. The P&C adoption includes several XML business messages that enable the real-time exchange of quote and application transactions for personal and commercial lines of insurance over the Internet. Included in the adoption is the Interactive Financial Exchange (IFX) specification, which provides a standard framework architecture to ensure interoperability among multiple trading partners using IFX. The Life insurance adoption moves the work of ACORD Life standards from the life agency desktop into carrier back-office systems. The adoption takes the ACORD Life data model, ports it to XML, and defines the architecture requirements for supporting transactions. This allows a developer to use a standard framework in conjunction with an XML version of the ACORD Life data model to request information and receive responses in a standard, consistent way..." See: (1) "Interactive Financial Exchange (IFX)," and (2) "ACORD - XML for the Insurance Industry."

  • [February 24, 2000] "OASIS Co-Sponsors XTech XML Developers Conference." - "OASIS, the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards, will co-sponsor the XTech 2000 Developers Conference, February 27 - March 2 in San Jose, California. Hosted by GCA, XTech 2000 brings together experts, developers and technical managers for an intense look at the current XML technology and applications of the standard. The conference will feature an exposition where developers and suppliers of XML technology will demonstrate the interoperability of their tools. 'XTech is unique because of the people behind it. The conference is led by the organizers of the working group that created XML,' explained Laura Walker, executive director of OASIS. "XTech co-chairs, Jon Bosak (Sun Microsystems), Tim Bray (Textuality) and David Megginson (Megginson Technologies) have assembled an exceptional program that examines how far XML has come since its introduction and where it's going in the future.' Highlights of XTech include Town Hall meetings where representatives from the W3C's XML Schema and XML Query Working Groups will take the stage in two separate open-mike town-hall forums. XTech presentations will discuss the theory and the practical application of XML and its related standards, including XLink and XSL. Sessions cover the technical underpinnings of XML implementation and how XML works on different operating platforms and systems, including Linux and Java." See the main conference entry for details.

  • [February 23, 2000] "TRADOS Launches Translation Solution Edition 3. Supports Windows 2000, Office 2000 (Word and PowerPoint 2000), XML and Bi-directional Languages." - "TRADOS, a recognised leader of translation memory software solutions, today announced the release of the TRADOS Translation Solution Edition 3. The TRADOS Translation Solution is an easily installed software suite that combines TRADOS' most powerful and popular translation software products including Translator's Workbench, TagEditor, MultiTerm, WinAlign, the S-Taggers, and T-Window for PowerPoint, all in one package. The new edition has been tightly integrated with Microsoft Word 2000 to provide 100% compatibility with Word 2000 documents and now supports the bi- directional languages, Hebrew and Arabic. It continues to support previous versions of Word and incorporates full support for Windows 2000. Translation Solution Edition 3 is also XML-enabled to accommodate the rising demand for this emerging Web standard. [In this release] a dramatically expanded API enables smoother integration with third-party applications such as document and content management systems. Translator's Workbench can now be more easily integrated into existing translation workflow environments."

  • [February 24, 2000] "Upcoming OMG Meeting to Focus on Business Integration Issues." - "As the importance of online commerce and value-chain integration grows, so does the technology used to make them happen. The Object Management Group (OMG) establishes industry standards for technology solutions that impact a wide variety of industries -- from healthcare to manufacturing, telecommunications to finance, retail to transportation. Guests are welcome to attend the upcoming Object Management Group Technical Meeting Week in Denver, Colorado, USA, March 6-10, 2000, and learn how an open, vendor-neutral, consensus-building process is applied to set industry standards encompassing technologies such as the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), the Unified Modeling Language (UML), eXtensible Markup Language (XML), and Enterprise Java Beans (EJB) which enable Enterprise Application Integration and E-Commerce. OMG specifications give you the ability to work with the technology you already have in place, along with the assurance that you'll be able to embrace technologies that come along tomorrow. In line with OMG's mission of enabling Enterprise Application Integration, the organization's specifications capitalize on the strength of multiple technologies, including eXtensible Markup Language (XML) for structured content, the Unified Modeling Language (UML) for design, and CORBA/IIOP for platform and language neutral interoperability. XML is being used by OMG to represent configuration information for components (in the CORBA Component Model) and design metadata -- in the "XML Metadata Interchange Specification."

  • [February 24, 2000] "B2B e-commerce Pioneer Bowstreet Charges Into Energy and Real Estate Vertical Markets. Bowstreet Provides XML Infrastructure For HoustonStreet.com and iProperty.com As They Redefine Basis of Competition in the Energy and Real Estate Industries." - "Bowstreet, a leading provider of XML infrastructure for B2B Web marketplaces, today launched its campaign to automate dynamic and customized business-to-business e-commerce in vertical industries by signing up two new customers, Houston Street Exchange and iProperty.com. Houston Street Exchange operates the first Web portal and exchange for wholesale power trading, and iProperty.com is the leading developer of Web-based real estate technology. These customers represent Bowstreet's first major B2B inroads into the energy and real estate industries, and supplement previously announced Bowstreet customers in the consumer, e-commerce, technology and financial industries. Bowstreet is working with Houston Street to enable its Web-based power trading exchange with XML (Extensible Markup Language), the Internet's lingua franca for commerce. XML lets different companies with diverse information systems share business processes and data. XML also simplifies data sharing within a company. Houston Street will soon begin providing real-time XML data from the exchange to wholesale energy risk managers. Corporations can push the data across all of their business systems, dramatically streamlining their business processes and reducing costs. Houston Street drives this operating efficiency by enabling paperless data transfer, which also reduces errors caused by manual re-keying of data. . . The Bowstreet Web Automation Factory is a system based on XML and directories that enables companies to instantly, affordably and exponentially broaden their market reach by creating dynamic and customized B2B Web marketplaces (or 'business webs') that link customers, suppliers and partners. The Bowstreet Web Automation Factory is the first product to support the Directory Services Markup Language (DSML), a specification Bowstreet, IBM, Microsoft, Novell, Oracle and the Sun-Netscape Alliance recently submitted to industry standards bodies."

  • [February 24, 2000] "BEA Tuxedo 7.1 Delivers Powerful New Security Framework for E-Commerce Transactions. Enhanced Security and XML Support Strengthen B2B and B2C E-Commerce Capabilities in Market-Leading Transaction Server." - "With its introduction of BEA Tuxedo 7.1, BEA Systems, Inc., the E-Commerce Transactions Company, has unveiled a powerful new weapon for transforming businesses into successful e-businesses. The latest version of the world's leading online transaction engine lets companies not only manage huge volumes of transactions speedily and without fail, but also gets sophisticated, secure business-to-business e-commerce systems to market fast in 'Internet time.' BEA Tuxedo 7.1 features new levels of security software integration, queuing performance, threads-based programming support, and support for Internet standards such as XML. These enhancements build on the advanced message-routing and industry-leading transaction management capabilities that have made BEA Tuxedo the acknowledged leader in providing always-available, always-reliable e-commerce transactions. The result is a battle-tested transaction server that can significantly reduce both the time and effort needed to develop e-commerce applications with 24x7 availability, lightning-fast transaction speed, and the rock-solid transaction security the e-generation demands, especially with ever-increasing Web traffic volume... By recognizing XML data types within a BEA Tuxedo message buffer, BEA Tuxedo 7.1 can route XML content in the way that best meets an e-commerce application's reliability, cost, or other requirements. For instance, XML application developers can exploit BEA Tuxedo's data-dependent routing to change the path of a transaction and its subsequent processing based on the content of XML data, which helps ensure high system reliability and data availability as transaction volumes mount. Similarly, XML data such as a zip code can be used to route a customer order to a business partner's California distribution center, instead of using a location in New York, to save shipping costs."

  • [February 24, 2000] "Sequencia Releases Powerful BizTalk Schemas. Makes Complex Intellectual Property Exchange a Practical Reality for the Process Industries." - "Sequencia Corporation, a leading supplier of intranet and Internet based business-to-business (B2B) responsive process manufacturing solutions, today announced the release of two Extensible Markup Language (XML) BizTalk schemas that enable Internet collaboration between process industry manufacturers to accelerate new product and process introductions. These schemas are an important element enabling the new processPoint portal. processPoint is the only place on the World Wide Web where you can buy and sell process manufacturing capability, build long-term collaborative manufacturing relationships, accelerate new product roll-out, and interact within the process manufacturing community to globally deliver responsive manufacturing. BizTalk XML schemas define the structure and meaning of data so that different programs can share information across the Internet, or within intranets, using different operating systems and technologies. The Microsoft BizTalk Framework is a set of guidelines for publishing schemas in XML. It uses XML messages to easily integrate software programs together to build rich, new solutions. The processPoint design emphasis leverages what you have today - your existing data models, solutions, and application infrastructure - and adapts it for electronic commerce using XML. These processPoint XML schemas define the rules for consistent and understandable exchange of manufacturing recipes, procedures and equipment requirements." See "BizTalk Framework."

  • [February 24, 2000] "iLink Global Announces First Complete XML Standard for eLogistics. XML Integration Underway with New iLink Global Customers." - "iLink Global, the first-to-market comprehensive global shipping and logistics service serving e-commerce sites, announced today its publication of the first complete XML standard for e-Logistics. 'With XML, iLink Global can integrate our shipping and logistics technology into our customers' sites on a faster track. This means a faster time to launch for sites who provide their customers' click to doorstep shipping services,' said David Stukel, CEO, iLink Global. Effective shipping and logistics is widely cited as the largest obstacle to the growth of e-commerce. ComAuction, a premier internet site for business customers to buy and sell assets and products, is iLink Global's first XML implementation. ComAuction went live on February 16, 2000. Several additional customers will go live using XML during the next few months."

  • [February 23, 2000] "Extensity Joins OpenTravel Alliance (OTA) to Help Make the Online Travel Market More Efficient and Dynamic. Participation Builds on Extensity's Mission to Help Customers Seamlessly Access Business Content, Commerce and Services to Improve The Way They Do Business." - "Extensity Inc., a provider of Internet-based workforce optimization solutions, today announced that it has joined the OpenTravel Alliance (OTA). The OTA is a group of senior executives from various facets of the travel industry, including lodging, airline carriers, credit card issuers, and online booking and computer reservation system companies, who are helping drive technology standards that will make the electronic exchange of travel related information easier. Extensity's participation builds on Extensity's mission for delivering technology that enables seamless access to business content, commerce and services through its suite of Internet-based applications to improve productivity of employees across the enterprise. By ensuring the free flow of travel information over the Internet, the OTA's goal is to help customers be more efficient in researching and booking travel online. With standards built on XML specifications, customers will be able to easily mix and match trip-related information from multiple sites rather than stepping through disconnected sites and processes for online travel." See "OpenTravel Alliance (OTA)."

  • [February 23, 2000] "MediaPlex Reports Open Exchange Progress. Mediaplex, Inc. Reports Rapid Progress in Development of B2B Open Exchange for the Advertising Industry. Industry Colleagues and Competitors Collaborate on adXML.org's First Beta Test of XML Schema for Automation of Advertising Data." - "Mediaplex, Inc., a leading advertising technology company, today reported that the open standards initiative, adXML.org, launched in December 1999, has achieved an earlier-than-anticipated milestone with the upcoming launch of its first beta test. This initial release was designed by Mediaplex and subsequently enhanced by adXML.org's nine subcommittees, represented by 46 participating companies from a wide range of industry sectors. Established as a vendor-neutral global organization, the mission of adXML.org is to define and advance a common XML-based vocabulary for automating the buy/sell transactions of the advertising industry. Subcommittees have been defined for both traditional and new media as well as digital asset management software. Subcommittees for traditional media include print, TV, radio and outdoor; subcommittees for new media include online, e-mail, set-top box/broadband and the virtually untapped wireless market. The self-describing adXML is a common language that describes data structures and types for cross-business communication and supply chain management among advertisers, agencies and publishers. The technology initiative offers significant time- and cost-efficiencies by enabling real-time automation of all advertising business transactions, including insertion and change orders, requests for proposals and bids, inventory and rate cards, and even creative content." See the version 0.95 adXML DTD for Online Ad insertion and "adXML.org: XML for Advertising."

  • [February 23, 2000] "Promenix Develops B2B XML Solution for SAP R/3 Using MQSeries Integrator. Provides Rapid E-Commerce Capabilities to Existing Customer of SAP." - "Promenix, Inc. a leading systems integrator focused on Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) for Fortune 500 companies, announced today a complete solution for linking SAP R/3 enterprises to the web using IBM's MQSeries(a) Integrator (MQSI) product as a translator. Promenix solutions automate the linking of Web Browser transactions to back-office processes by bridging SAP to Extended Markup Language (XML). Using this solution with other Promenix Wizards, companies can begin participating quickly in money-saving Business to Business (B2B) collaboration linked to the enterprise. The solutions developed by Promenix can address various EAI and B2B integration issues facing today's companies. These include: (1) Determination of the correct XML formats and tag definitions from the DTD; (2) Gathering and organizing multiple IDOC messages into one cohesive XML document; (3) Formatting of messages for multiple destinations into various XML standards based upon the required XML needs of the target application; (4) The ability to manage and change these formats as the needs of the business change."

  • [February 23, 2000] "Extricity Software and Commerce One Collaborate On B2B Platform To Power Direct Material Purchasing Capabilities. Extricity and Commerce One Team To Provide Technology Infrastructure For Manufacturing Supply-Chain E-Commerce." - "At the eLink 2000 conference here today, Extricity Software, Inc. announced support of Commerce One's Internet-based direct materials procurement and collaborative supply chain management services. Commerce One and Extricity will collaborate to extend Commerce One's existing MarketSite capabilities, offering complete end-to-end integration and B2B process automation, from simple data exchange through sophisticated multi-party interactions... Extricity Software provides a family of business-to-business integration (B2Bi) products, known as Extricity AllianceSeries, that simplifies e-commerce automation and management. Extricity's products provide a single, open B2B platform that make it possible to rapidly deploy online business communities, enable end-to-end application integration, and support a flexible set of XML and other communications mechanisms. In addition, Extricity AllianceSeries automates a complete range of e-commerce transactions -- from simple data exchange to business processes -- and provides B2B partner management capabilities."

  • [February 23, 2000] "Intershop and Commerce One Announce New Software Solution. Gives Easy Access To Online B2B Marketplaces. Eckhard Pfeiffer, Intershop Chairman, Delivers Keynote at Commerce One's eLink Conference in London." - "Intershop Communications, Inc., a leading provider of sell-side electronic commerce software, and Commerce One, Inc., leader in global electronic commerce solutions for business, today announced a ground-breaking E-commerce software solution, called Marketplace Connector. It will provide global businesses with easy access to online B2B marketplaces. Under the terms of the partnership agreement, Intershop and Commerce One agreed to co-develop and co-market the Marketplace Connector, a solution that enables Intershop's more than 100,000 customers worldwide to connect to Commerce One MarketSite, an Internet portal for exchanging goods and services among businesses worldwide. The Marketplace Connector supports for Commerce One's XML-standard Common Business Library (xCBL 2.0). XML has emerged as a standard for exchanging catalog content and transaction information between buyers and suppliers. Support for the most widespread types of XML is essential for Intershop's sell-anywhere capabilities, which include e-commerce by wireless appliances through Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), selling on remote, affiliate, and portal sites, and machine-to-machine transactions."

  • [February 23, 2000] "Commerce One and NEON Deliver XML-Based ERP Connector for BuySite 6.0. Commerce One to Market and Sell Joint Solution." - "New Era of Networks, Inc., a leading e-Business infrastructure platform provider, and Commerce One, Inc., today announced the availability of the Commerce One BuySite to ERP Connector for SAP R/3, developed jointly by Commerce One and NEON. The Connector, based on NEON's e-Business infrastructure products, integrates Commerce One BuySite 6.0 with SAP R/3 to ensure quick time-to-market for Commerce One customers. Commerce One BuySite is a completely interactive e-procurement application that provides direct, real-time access to suppliers and instant access to the Commerce One Global Trading Web, the world's largest business-to-business trading community. The XML-based Connector works with NEON e-Biz Integrator, NEONadapter for SAP R/3 and NEONadapter for Commerce One. It provides business logic to perform account checking, create and change purchase orders, perform real-time order status checks and synchronize data."

  • [February 23, 2000] "Bell & Howell's eRoute Adds XML and OFX Functionality." - "Bell & Howell Company announced today that eRoute, its management solution for print and electronic messaging systems, now includes XML and OFX capabilities. By incorporating XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and OFX (Open Financial Exchange) functionality into eRoute, Bell & Howell now offers a solution capable of transforming legacy bill, statement and other transactional document data directly into these formats, bypassing the need to write additional programming code. XML and OFX give companies added capacities not possible in the traditional HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) used by most billing systems today, such as dynamic data sorting. eRoute tracks and maintains a list of customer delivery preferences. Depending on the preferred method of electronic delivery, eRoute packages the data in the appropriate format, including XML, OFX or ASCII, and sends it to the correct channel, be it a Web site, secure email or a bill consolidator. eRoute is part of Bell & Howell's IMPACT eMessaging solution, which is designed to achieve a seamless and efficient process for delivery of both electronic and paper statements." See "Open Financial Exchange (OFX/OFE)."

  • [February 23, 2000] "Enigma Announces 'CommerceSight' for High-Value, B2B e-Commerce. First in Series of XML Products Included in Enigma's ESP Architecture to Create Vertical Exchanges for B2B E-Commerce. GE Aerospace Initial Deployment." - "Enigma, Inc. today introduced CommerceSight, a new XML-based solution for business-to-business e-commerce, and the first product to be released within Enigma's ESP Architecture. CommerceSight allows companies to leverage existing technical information by creating vertical exchanges for the e-commerce of spare parts. The company also announced GE Aircraft Engines as the first customer to implement the new system for its Customer Web Center e-commerce site. This e-commerce site will now supply jet engine customers with complete lifecycle service from maintenance, to spare parts ordering and procurement, to installation. The ESP architecture, which represents `electronic spare parts' on the sell side, and `enhanced spares procurement' on the buy side, further underscores Enigma's commitment to enabling customers to create vertical exchanges. Together, the ESP architecture and CommerceSight comprise a complete, content-driven solution that goes beyond basic B2B procurement and order fulfillment. With this technology, a mechanic working on, for instance, a jet engine, has instant online access to customizable maintenance manuals, system and part diagrams, descriptions and service bulletins... The new XML-based products employ patented, open-system Enigma innovations in XML and XSL technology. Both the ESP Architecture and CommerceSight are based on Enigma's industry proven INSIGHT and Dyna e-publishing and e-catalog products for content-rich applications. Currently, over 10 million users at companies including Rolls Royce, Pratt & Whitney, Bombardier, Honda, John Deere, 3Com, HP, Sun Microsystems, Nokia, Motorola and others employ Enigma products."

  • [February 16, 2000] "iPlanet E-Commerce Solutions, a Sun-Netscape Alliance, Endorses XML Connect. E-Commerce Veteran Joins Growing Roster of Industry Leaders in Support of OnDisplay's Open XML Server for Reliable B2B Document Exchange." - "OnDisplay, Inc., a leading provider of e-business infrastructure software for powering e-business portals and e-marketplaces, today announced that iPlanet E-Commerce Solutions, a Sun-Netscape Alliance, has joined the rapidly growing list of e-commerce leaders that have voiced support for OnDisplay's XML Connect initiative. XML Connect is a free, downloadable software product that allows e-commerce participants -- including buyers, suppliers and e-marketplaces -- to establish secure, reliable, guaranteed XML business document exchange, without the need to install and manage closed or proprietary XML servers. With XML Connect acting as a standardized XML transport, e-commerce participants can achieve secure document exchange quickly and easily. [said] Peter Buzzard, vice president of product marketing for OnDisplay: 'We are seeing a true groundswell of support for this [XML Connect] product, validating our belief that the industry is hungry for a simple solution to the proliferation of XML standards and schemas. As an industry and technology leader in e-commerce solutions for both Fortune 500 and e-marketplace organizations, Sun-Netscape brings strong validation to the XML Connect initiative'."

  • [February 16, 2000] "Netfish Sets E-Commerce Link Between Micronpc.com and the GSA. XDI Server Speeds RosettaNet Implementation to Automate Product Updates." - "Netfish Technologies, Inc., a leader in XML-based business-to-business e-commerce solutions, announced it has successfully completed the first RosettaNet e-commerce link between Micronpc.com and the General Services Administration (GSA), which are now successfully conducting transactions based on RosettaNet specifications. The GSA Advantage system is the official Web-based source for government purchasing which accounts for a growing portion of the $40 billion of goods and services bought annually by the GSA from the private sector. Netfish's RosettaNet-enabled XDI system was employed by both organizations to create this RosettaNet link, and played an instrumental role in enabling them to meet the aggressive February 2, 2000 target date for implementing at least one RosettaNet Partner Interface Process (PIP). The Netfish XDI Server provides customers with the core messaging and communication component of the system. The XDI Developer Suite provides the tools to convert each organization's ERP system business data into well-formed RosettaNet XML messages suitable for transacting business between the two trading partners. The Netfish XDI Server communicates with any RosettaNet-compliant software solution, as demonstrated in other Netfish customer environments. This enables each organization to easily link with other RosettaNet-based trading partners without the need for a specific software solution at both ends."

  • [February 16, 2000] "STEP UK Launches X2X - The Link Management of the Future." STEP UK Ltd. announces the launch today of X2X the XML XLink engine. X2X supports the creation, management and manipulation of link information. X2X allows linking between documents and information resources without needing to change either of the 'source' or 'target' documents that are being linked. X2X removes the requirement to insert link information inside document content. The Links are NOT stored in the document... X2X has an extensible architecture to allow resources to reside in any data repository. X2X stores links independently of any documents and provides facilities to dynamically insert external link structures into documents on demand. X2X stores all the link information within an ODBC/ JDBC enabled database, e.g. Oracle or SQL Server. X2X is developed in Java for cross platform operation. X2X is implemented using fundamental linking concepts and understands links defined using Xlink and Xpath."

  • [February 15, 2000] "Microsoft Primes Millions of Developers for the Next-Generation Web. Steve Ballmer Outlines Microsoft Vision to Empower More Than Three Million Developers for Visual Basic With the XML-Based Tools Needed to Build Next-Generation Services." - "Steve Ballmer, newly appointed president and CEO of Microsoft Corporation, today spoke with over 2,000 developers for the Microsoft Visual Basic development system in his keynote address at the Visual Basic Insiders Technical Summit (VBITS), delivering on the Microsoft vision of the programmable Web and reinforcing the company's deep commitment to developers... Today, Microsoft demonstrated features in Visual Studio that let developers create Web Services to directly link applications, services and devices with one another over the Internet using HTTP, XML and SOAP, an XML-based standard for cross-platform object invocation. Web Services are created the same way that developers using Visual Basic build business objects today, so developers will be able to use their existing knowledge and skills to build next-generation enterprise Web applications... Building on the concept of the programmable Web, Microsoft also today announced ASP+ Web Forms. Based on XML and COM+, this drag-and-drop environment utilizes the RAD model that made Visual Basic successful. With Web Forms, developers will be able to quickly build HTML-based forms that are rendered on the Web server in the same way that they build an application for Windows with Visual Basic today." See also "Microsoft builds Visual Basic for the Web." By Wylie Wong. In CNET News.com (February 15, 2000).

  • [February 15, 2000] "Kinecta Corporation Announces Kinecta Interact. World-Class XML Platform Targets Business-to-Business Information Partnerships." - "Kinecta Corporation, a global leader in Distributed Information Management, today introduced Kinecta Interact, the company's core platform designed to enable businesses to automatically exchange, manage and transform distributed information. Kinecta Interact is the leading Distributed Information Management platform, which consists of the high-performance Kinecta Interact Server and Kinecta Interact Subscriber (upgraded versions of the company's ShiftKey Syndication Server and SiClone Subscriber, respectively). Kinecta Interact version 3.0 includes a new user interface (UI) and several new features that enhance and extend the capabilities of the platform. The company's innovative Java-based, ICE- (Information and Content Exchange) compliant Kinecta Interact platform enables customers to seamlessly manage thousands of unique information relationships between any number of subscribers. An application of XML (Extensible Markup Language), ICE provides a common format for the automatic, controlled exchange and management of online information. Kinecta Interact is based on the ICE standard to enable companies of all sizes and industries to leverage the enormous collection of relevant information on the Internet, and to facilitate the automatic establishment of business-to-business value chains. Information providers can leverage Kinecta Interact as a standards-based platform to exchange multiple data types, while maintaining existing branding and protecting data privacy. Kinecta Interact automates the distribution of digital information, including HTML, XML, graphical files, database records, streaming media and most document types. The system further facilitates the integration of that information into a Web site, content repository, business process or Internet appliance. The graphical elements of the information can be transformed, allowing publishers to maintain various rights related to the content, including branding/look and feel and subscriber content usage reporting." See also the 05/00 press release. See "Information and Content Exchange (ICE) Protocol."

  • [February 15, 2000] "Information Architects Joins Forces With Red Hat to Deliver XML-based Dynamic Syndication and Aggregation Solutions for Linux. iA's Metaphoria Framework Offers Industry's Only Enterprise Level Linux-Compatible Applications." - "Information Architects (iA), providers of XML-based dynamic content aggregation and syndication solutions, today announced that it has joined the Red Hat Independent Software Vendor Partner Program, to deliver Linux-based solutions for driving eBusiness across the Net. Through the ISV Partners Program, the Red Hat user community will receive product updates and advanced support of the Metaphoria Framework. Metaphoria leverages the power of XML and JAVA, enabling companies to cost-effectively create or participate in emerging B-to-B environments by automating the process of formatting and syndicating content along with complete commerce functionality, to any Website or device connected to the Net... iA's core offering, the Metaphoria Framework, is an open, patented, XML-based product suite that offers customized delivery of any digital information on the Web. Its dynamic aggregation and syndication technology enable users to access content and commerce application from any source -- even multiple sources -- enhancing the overall user experience, promoting site stickiness and loyalty, and increasing eCommerce-generated revenues."

  • [February 15, 2000] "PeopleSoft Adopts RosettaNet XML Standard for Industry-Wide Electronic Business Interfaces." - "PeopleSoft today announced that it has joined RosettaNet, a consortium that develops and deploys XML-based standard electronic business interfaces, as a solution partner. The RosettaNet partnership marks PeopleSoft's support of Internet communication standards, and further demonstrates PeopleSoft's commitment to providing industry-leading collaborative eBusiness solutions. PeopleSoft will deliver RosettaNet compliant XML messages for release 7.5 in mid-year of 2000. As a result, customers using PeopleSoft's supply chain management applications will benefit from a 'plug and play' solution for Internet collaboration. With the most flexible supply chain solutions on the market, PeopleSoft XML-based application messaging will provide enhanced system communications. With RosettaNet compliant XML-based applications, enterprises using PeopleSoft Supply Chain will benefit from a common business interface, enabling more efficient eBusiness processes, production planning, channel allocation and cost savings. RosettaNet addresses the need for standard business interfaces. The consortium focuses on building a master dictionary to define properties for products, partners, and business transactions. This master dictionary, coupled with an established implementation framework (exchange protocols), is used to support the eBusiness dialog known as the Partner Interface Process or PIP. Through RosettaNet PIPs, new areas of alignment are created for PeopleSoft customers within the overall IT supply-chain eBusiness processes, allowing IT supply-chain partners to scale eBusiness, and to fully leverage e-commerce applications and the Internet as a business-to-business commerce tool." See "RosettaNet."

  • [February 15, 2000] "Bowstreet Forges Alliances With MarketSoft and Partnerware to Deliver Total Channel Management Solutions. MarketSoft and Partnerware adopt The Bowstreet(TM) Web Automation Factory to accelerate automation and customization of lead and partner management solutions." - "Bowstreet, a leading provider of XML infrastructure for B2B Web marketplaces, today announced that it has signed marketing agreements with two channel-focused solutions partners, Partnerware Technologies, Inc. and MarketSoft Corporation. Under the agreements, the companies will offer joint software solutions that help enterprises manage their indirect partners on-line through lead management and the customization of information to ultimately execute channel programs more quickly and cost-effectively. The Bowstreet Web Automation Factory used in conjunction with the Partnerware PRM solutions will facilitate the most efficient and effective interaction between enterprises and their partners available today. Partnerware's solutions will leverage Bowstreet's XML infrastructure to simplify connectivity and integration among companies and their enterprise applications. Real-time information exchanges will be easy and quick. Vital updates to programs, partner funds, product information, partner profiles and sales opportunities can be instantly and securely shared across Web sites and enterprise applications. With the Bowstreet/Partnerware alliance, channel-focused companies and their partners can execute sales more quickly and rapidly respond to the market to leapfrog the competition... The Bowstreet Web Automation Factory is a system based on XML and directories that enables companies to instantly, affordably and exponentially broaden their market reach by creating dynamic and customized B2B Web marketplaces (or 'business webs') that link customers, suppliers and partners. The Bowstreet Web Automation Factory is the first product to support the Directory Services Markup Language (DSML), a specification Bowstreet, IBM, Microsoft, Novell, Oracle and the Sun-Netscape Alliance recently submitted to industry standards bodies."

  • [February 15, 2000] "Nimble.com Joins OASIS." - "Nimble.com, whose products will enable efficient storage, manipulation, querying and integration of distributed XML data, has become the newest sponsor member of the international consortium, OASIS. Nimble.coms technology uses XML to optimize e-commerce, Internet and intranet applications and to deliver specific information to the end user. The company looks to OASIS as a vendor-neutral resource for advancing the adoption of XML industry standardization. [said] Suzan DelBene, CEO of Nimble.com: 'As a company focused on providing data integration solutions, Nimble.com looks forward to taking an active role in the ongoing efforts of the OASIS group to establish interoperability of products supporting XML. We believe that furthering the definition and adoption of standards-based computing solutions through OASIS and the W3C will accelerate the XML revolution'."

  • [February 14, 2000] "Extensibility Broadens Its Leadership Through the Release Of XML Authority 1.1e. Industry Leading XML Schema Solution Introduces Extensibility MetaSchema Framework to Facilitate the Creation of E-Business Infrastructure Standards." - "Extensibility, Inc., today announced XML Authority 1.1e, an upgrade to the company's industry leading XML schema conversion, design, and management solution. XML schemas provide enterprise applications a flexible framework for business-to-business information interchange. Thousands of organizations and industry groups use Extensibility's solutions to build XML based business and industry infrastructures that will make next generation e-business applications a reality. XML Authority 1.1e now offers: (1) Extensibility MetaSchema Framework (EMF), which allows users to define 'rules for the rules' of e-business, which facilitates the expression and adoption of standards. (2) Support for the W3C's XML-Schema dialect (Dec 17 draft). Users can begin to work with the evolving W3C standard. (3) Comprehensive support for Commerce One's e-business dialect, SOX version 2.0 Users can easily build schemas per Commerce One's standards and join one of the fastest growing e-commerce communities. (4) Converters for COBOL. Migration and integration of COBOL applications is facilitated with our COBOL metadata converter. XML Authority 1.1e is available for immediate download."

  • [February 14, 2000] "XMLSolutions Corporation Introduces the Only Global Solution for Bi-Directional XML-EDI Transactions. XEDI Translator Transmits All EDI Documents Electronically to All Trading Partners." - "XMLSolutions Corporation, a premier provider of XML-based EDI solutions and XML Schema Management products and services, today announced the general availability of XEDI Translator 1.0. This breakthrough technology enables companies using EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) to automatically translate documents to XML, the language of business-to-business e-commerce. XEDI's component based pricing starts between $5,000 to $25,000 and is based on number of trading partners. XEDI Translator (pronounced /zee-dee/), is the only EDI to XML translation product on the market to provide the ability to translate every ANSI X12 transaction and EDIFACT message into XML. This technology delivers an e- commerce solution to paper-centric trading partners... The XEDI Translator provides the ability to translate EVERY X12 and EDIFACT document to XML. The resulting XML can then be mapped to emerging XML standards such as Commerce XML (cXML), Financial Products Markup Language (FpML), and Electronic Business XML (ebXML). By delivering EDI to the Internet through the use of XML, the Global 2000 are now capable of adding new partners to their supply chain that previously were not accessible through electronic means. The ability of the XEDI Translator to leverage existing EDI systems means that the millions of dollars spent years ago to connect backend systems to EDI systems are not thrown away, but simply expanded to include a greater realm of trading partners."

  • [February 14, 2000] "Microsoft Advances BizTalk Vision With Release of BizTalk Jumpstart Toolkit Version 2 Latest Release Provides Additional Functionality for Integration Of Business Processes and Compatibility with BizTalk Server 2000." - "Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of the Microsoft BizTalk Jumpstart Toolkit Version 2. The toolkit, which enables developers to quickly and easily integrate business processes within and between companies, is available for free download at http://www.microsoft.com/biztalk/. The new toolkit is compatible with the upcoming BizTalk Server 2000, which allows applications developed with this version to be migrated easily to the BizTalk Server. In addition, this latest version includes many new features and enhancements, such as test debug and schema validation tools, as well as compatibility with the BizTalk Framework 1.0 specification. This version of the toolkit also provides developers with the necessary set of tools to build new applications that interoperate with other enterprise applications by routing XML-based business documents, furthering Microsoft's commitment to providing a complete platform for application integration based on industry standards. These documents can be routed using the Jumpstart Kit routing engine and then easily migrated to and managed by Microsoft's BizTalk Server 2000, slated to preview in early spring... The BizTalk Framework includes an open design framework for implementing an XML schema and a set of XML tags used in messages sent between applications. Microsoft, other software companies and industry-standards bodies will use the BizTalk Framework to produce XML schemas in a consistent manner to enable integration across industries and between business systems, independent of operating system, programming model or programming language. The BizTalk steering committee, composed of industry-leading vendors, standards bodies and corporate customers, provides guidance on the future direction of the BizTalk Framework."

  • [February 14, 2000] "Sequoia Software Integrates Semio's Taxonomy Solution With Sequoia's XML Portal Server. Partnership Extends Sequoia's Interactive Portal Application, Gives Customers Industry Leading Search and Retrieval Solution Optimized for Text-Based Content." - "Sequoia Software Corporation, a leading provider and innovator of interactive enterprise portals, today announced a partnership with Semio Corporation to integrate Semio's Taxonomy Solution, a multi-level directory structure that includes thesaurus-like links, into Sequoia's XML Portal Server (XPS). By integrating the Semio Taxonomy Solution with XPS, Sequoia customers will have the ability to conduct more precise searches against all text-based portal content, increasing workplace efficiency. Sequoia Software is the first portal software developer to partner with Semio to provide enhanced text-based searching within an enterprise portal application. Semio's solution makes it easier for portal users to browse and discover information quickly. Users get more than just a list of documents--they get an understanding of where a specific concept fits into their portal's overall collection of information, and what conceptually related content is available. By addressing the requirement of categorizing text-based content, Semio's technology complements Sequoia's XML indexing technology--which enables context-sensitive searching of XML content."

  • [February 14, 2000] "RioLabs Selected by MapQuest for B2B Commerce Strategy. MapQuest Implementing XML-Based Customer Provisioning and Information Services." - "RioLabs announced today that MapQuest has selected RioLabs' Proximal as the XML technology center of its business-to-business customer service strategy. To automate the customer provisioning process, MapQuest, a leader in online destination services, is building an XML-based system that will register new customers and automatically provision MapQuest services. MapQuest will expand the use of the XML technology to provide usage statistics and account information to customers. RioLabs provides the Proximal suite of tools for integration of suppliers into business-to-business e-commerce portals. Major portals providers include companies such as CommerceOne, Ariba, and Harbinger. Proximal makes the promise of e-commerce portals a reality by rapidly and automatically linking enterprise information sources with B2B XML portal or direct trading solutions. Proximal provides an easy-to-use, two-way data exchange with any XML-based application, greatly reducing the time-to-market for e-commerce portals, direct B2B suppliers, and Web-based catalogs. As a result, enterprise organizations are able to realize a strong strategic competitive advantage as well as an extremely rapid return on investment."

  • [February 10, 2000] "GE Information Services Provides Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) Solution with Internet-Electronic Commerce Capabilities to British Columbia Railway. GE InterLinx Integrates Legacy Applications and Supports Web-based EDI Capabilities." - "GE Information Services (GE) announced today the implementation of an enterprise application integration (EAI) brokering system, GE InterLinx, at British Columbia Railway -- Canada's third largest freight railroad based in North Vancouver, British Columbia. GE Information Services' solution enables BC Rail to integrate bill of lading information provided by their customers into BC Rail's internal business applications. GE InterLinx software plays a key role facilitating the collection and transport of this information over the Internet. GE InterLinx allows clients to integrate their internal systems, and provides external linkages which permit the brokering of information across the entire supply chain. Developed entirely in JAVA, GE InterLinx is strongly positioned in both the EAI and the EC/Internet integration broker markets. GE InterLinx's unique eXtensible markup language (XML) capability identifies XML objects, parses, and routes them to applications that support XML. GE InterLinx is currently available for sale on a global basis. GE Information Services offers integration brokering solutions that provide the necessary infrastructure for an integrated and intelligent supply chain. GE Information Services' integration brokers extend the enterprise by acting as an integration broker to both inter- and intra-enterprise business applications. Inter-enterprise needs are addressed with extensive EDI value-added network connectivity, world-wide EDI standards support, rich Internet protocol support, and Web access components to accommodate file transfer and HTML forms."

  • [February 10, 2000] "eXcelon Corporation Announces Partnership With Extensibility, Inc. Companies create dynamic business-to-business (B2B) solution built for interoperability between emerging and existing B2B standards." - "eXcelon Corporation, a global provider of innovative eBusiness products and services, today announced a technology and marketing partnership with Extensibility, Inc., the leader in robust XML development tools. The companies have agreed to package Extensibility, Inc.'s, XML Authority product with eXcelon Corp.'s Dynamic Application Platform, eXcelon 2.0, and the eXcelon B2B Integration Server, allowing developers to define and extend how B2B dialects are interchanged and mapped. Extensibility's solutions include XML Authority and XMLschema.com. XML Authority is an industry leading eBusiness rules design and management solution that accelerates the creation, management and processing of XML based eBusiness rules. XML schemas validate electronic commerce transactions and provide framework for Web based application interchange. The focus of XMLschema.com is automating eBusiness rules processing. Extensibility's XMLschema.com provides Web based services for the validation and conversion of XML based schemas, and provides corporations ubiquitous access to Extensibility's processors, bridging diverse eBusiness environments. eXcelon Corporation's B2B product family consists of three components. eXcelon B2B Integration Server delivers dynamic B2B solutions for enterprises that want to broaden their partner base and integrate these partners with new and existing business processes. eXcelon Dynamic Application Platform 2.0 is a powerful XML-based development platform for building and deploying dynamic eBusiness applications, enabling universal exchange, aggregation and management of business content between corporations and trading communities. eXcelon eSolutions is a suite of frameworks and components for vertical industry solutions. Built upon the eXcelon B2B Integration Server, these solutions target the insurance, retail, manufacturing and telecommunications industries."

  • [February 10, 2000] "Versant Corporation Unveils E-Business Strategy. Versant Targets High-End E-Business Developer With New Suite of Products." - "Versant Corporation, a leader in e-business infrastructure software, today unveiled a comprehensive 'Internet scalable' e-business strategy along with announcing a suite of Enterprise Java Beans (EJB)-related products. The company also announced a key e-business customer win, France Telecom, the world's fifth largest telecommunications carrier. As part of the new strategy Versant is announcing Versant enJin, a new suite of products which integrate with the application server environment. Versant enJin will bundle EJB integration, a Java development interface, object persistence, transactional and asynchronous replication and the Versant XML Toolkit. As part of the new offering, Versant has acquired object-to-relational (OR) mapping technology which will be integrated with Versant enJin to provide automatic synchronization with line-of-business systems. The Versant XML Toolkit provides an import/export capability to map raw XML data into Java objects. By the second half of FY2000, Versant plans to integrate Versant enJin with its business messaging infrastructure platform, providing an enhanced set of XML capabilities such as message routing, staging, transformation and transactional mediation among multiple data sources. Versant enJin will ship with OR mapping and the Versant XML Toolkit in Q2 '00."

  • [February 10, 2000] "eBusiness Technologies Announces DynaBase 4, for the Java Platform. Support for Java Servlets Facilitates Development of Web-based Applications." - "eBusiness Technologies, a division of Inso Corporation and a leading provider of solutions and services for e-business applications, today announced DynaBase 4, for Java, which will allow customers and developers to build DynaBase applications in Java in addition to Web Basic. The new edition will support Java Servlets to facilitate the development of interactive Web-based applications through platform independence, shorter development cycles, separation of logic from presentation, extensibility into the enterprise, and ease of use. DynaBase 4, for the Java Platform will include the following features: (1) Access to structured (XML or HTML) DynaBase content through a DOM interface; (2) Support for querying and accessing Webs; (3) Integration with third-party Java software; (4) XSL Transformation; (5) Support for JDBC drivers. DynaBase is the industry's first integrated XML-based Web publishing solution. Combining sophisticated content management capabilities with a powerful dynamic serving environment, DynaBase automates the production and enables personalized delivery of content to the Internet, intranet, extranet and wireless networks and devices. Designed for mid- to large-sized organizations DynaBase is a flexible scalable solution for building and sustaining interactive, online business-to-business and business-to-consumer activities."

  • [February 10, 2000] "eBusiness Technologies Announces WebWorks. New Scalable, Customizable Workflow Automation And Management Solution for DynaBase." - "eBusiness Technologies, a division of Inso Corporation and a leading provider of solutions and services for e-business applications, today announced the availability of WebWorks, a comprehensive workflow application designed to integrate with the DynaBase Web Content Management and Delivery System. WebWorks provides remote authors, designers and publishers a trusted environment for managing the creation and flow of content in DynaBase. Through a secure sign-on to the XML- and JAVA-based workflow system, owners, developers, customers and stakeholders, gain access to a unique view of application functionality that matches their profile and privileges. Users can view tasks in a number of states, including available tasks, currently active tasks, completed tasks, and tasks routed to others. In addition, they can create tasks and subtasks, promote the tasks through an XML-defined workflow process, and route the tasks to other people or groups, with each action automatically invoking business logic. Web interfaces with the system allow a large number of contributors within an organization to concurrently interact, edit, approve and publish content to ensure efficient resource management. An up-to-the-minute audit trail can track all changes as they move through the cycle."

  • [February 10, 2000] "Noonetime Announces the Creation and Immediate Availability of XML Xtract, E-Qualizer, and Redliner." - "Noonetime, a full service provider of information management solutions, has announced three new effective software tools, internally created, that fill the gap between customer expectations and out-of-the-box vendor deliverables. XML Xtract is a Quark Xtension for the PC that takes advantage of the features - specifically character styles - of QuarkXPress 4.0. It converts Quark documents to XML and based on user selection will also create a corresponding XSL stylesheet and DTD. XML Xtract allows users to extract text from every text box in a QuarkXPress document all at once, with one click of a button. e-qualizer is an affordable e-commerce solution for small to medium companies. It is a database-driven series of HTML and ASP pages specifically created to provide all the functionality of an expensive on-line store. RedLiner is a plug-in developed for FrameMaker that allows a user to turn on and off 'track changes' from the menu bar..."

  • [February 10, 2000] "XML-Enabled Version of dfPower Now Available From Dataflux. Newest Release Enhances Reach of Proven Data Quality Control Tool Suite." - "DataFlux Corporation, a leader in the development of data quality control tools that increase the accuracy and usability of corporate database assets, has announced the availability of an XML-enabled version of its award-winning dfPower Series product suite. With the announcement, DataFlux becomes the only company in the data quality industry to deliver an XML-enabled data quality solution. A free demo copy of this latest version of the dfPower Series is available for download. The XML-enabled version of dfPower incorporates an intuitive graphical user interface. The toolset first uses data analysis technology to allow the knowledge worker to decide how best to tackle identified data quality problems, such as data inconsistency and data redundancy. Then, using the standardization and matching tools, these problems can be expeditiously resolved. The dfPower Series' platform independence showcases its data integration technology, especially with addition of XML support. 'Snapping on' to any database via standard ODBC or the 30+ built-in database connectivity drivers, the software can also be used with databases such as Oracle, SQL Server, Informix, Sybase, DB2, and Access -- allowing the tools to be used in conjunction with other business intelligence tools, and eliminating the costly and unnecessary step of exporting data into text files that other data quality tools require."

  • [February 09, 2000] "ValiCert Selected by Visa International to Build Foundation for New Global Standard for Electronic Invoices. XML Expertise and Commitment to Open Standards Cited as Primary Reasons for Choice." - "ValiCert, Inc., a leading provider of end-to-end, secure infrastructure solutions for e-Transactions, today revealed the pivotal role it played in developing the new Visa Global XML Invoice Specification, also announced today by Visa International. ValiCert was selected by Visa for this task because of its expertise in XML -- the extensible markup language that's quickly becoming the lingua franca of e-business -- and because of ValiCert's strong commitment to open standards for data exchange. Visa compiled a comprehensive list of data elements used in most invoices, and ValiCert applied its extensive background in XML development to take the lead in researching the state of the art and setting the initial direction and architecture of the document. ValiCert presented Visa with a design and a specification for an invoice in XML based on open industry standards, including the CommerceOne Common Business Library, and then engaged with Visa in lengthy design reviews. Today's announcement comes on the heels of ValiCert's participation with Visa in successfully launching the first digital receipts as founding members of the Digital Receipt Alliance." See: "VISA XML Invoice Specification."

  • [February 09, 2000] "Quark and Metacode to Mine Pages for Meaning." - "Metacode Technologies, a leading provider of content enhancement and query technology for web companies, today announced a strategic alliance with Quark Inc., that lets publishers mine XML metadata from QuarkXPress layouts. Metacode will develop XTensions software to add the Metatagger content enhancement technology to Quark products. A prototype of the Metatagger technology will be shown at the Seybold Conference in Boston the week of Feb. 7. 'Metatagger takes automated XML tagging to the next level of sophistication,' said Mark Lemmons, vice president of Strategic Development at Quark. Avenue.quark uses style to automatically tag content as XML, but Metatagger uses the underlying data to add metadata to the XML content as it is created. This presents an enormous opportunity for publishers to enhance the value of their content efficiently. The ability to tag content as it is created and automatically index it to industrial or business classification schemes could significantly change the way publishers operate. Metatagger is one of several major product releases scheduled for Metacode, a software company out of San Francisco. Other releases from Metacode are targeting the e-commerce and professional services markets."

  • [February 09, 2000] "XyEnterprise Announces Availability of Content@ Content Management Software for Microsoft Word. New XML Workflow Wizard Enhances Automation." - "Xyvision Enterprise Solutions Inc., (XyEnterprise), a leading developer of XML content management and publishing software, announced the availability of its new content management application, Content@ (pronounced Contenta) at the Seybold Seminars in Boston this week. Content@ provides content management for collaborative workgroups using Microsoft Word by storing and managing Word document components in a dynamic database repository. Content@ offers integrated workflow, meta-data support, full-text search, and it facilitates the re-use of document components for web, print, and other media. Content@ offers companies a way to significantly reduce the time required to create and distribute business critical documents such as policies and procedures, proposals, financial reports, marketing materials, and many other documents created in Microsoft Word. Content@ includes a new XML workflow wizard which enables users and organizations to define standard data creation and distribution processes and create XML workflows to automate these processes. Content@ is built on top of XyEnterprise's Parlance Content Manager and its robust workflow tools. In a Content@ environment, a user can update content in the repository which can invoke web site updates, create new publications, send e-mail notices to end users, distribute documents in a PDF or printed format, and even send communications to portable devices."

  • [February 09, 2000] "First Call Launches Templates - a Web-based Authoring Tool for Brokerage Firms That Utilizes XML Technology." - "First Call, a Thomson Financial company, has launched FIRST CALL Templates, a Web-based authoring tool aimed at facilitating the research production process at brokerage firms. With Templates, sell-side analysts are able to create and edit new notes and research reports, efficiently move these documents through the production channels, and accurately index and convert documents for electronic distribution. Templates utilizes Extensible Markup Language (XML), allowing for greater customization of the product. Users of Templates may use the system's standard template types, such as Morning Meeting Note or Industry Report, or they may create, store and use their own templates. They also are able to save indexes for future use and are able to easily access their index criteria by ticker, industry, analyst, country, subject or headline. Templates' advanced indexing capabilities allow for more accurate and targeted search results by institutional money managers accessing the research documents. The service also offers disclaimers, which may be customized for specific tickers. The XML technology used in Templates allows clients to customize and pre-populate specific fields in a document, including analyst and ticker information. Templates can also be used to update a broker's quantitative information on the FIRST CALL Network.. With the use of XML, earnings estimate information is easily tagged and extracted from Excel spreadsheets. XML also allows for the efficient conversion of documents to various file formats."

  • [February 09, 2000] "Artesia Technologies Demonstrates Support of the PRISM Initiative for the Publishing Industry. Artesia's TEAMS used as hub of 'interoperability proof of concept' by Members of the Publishing Requirements for Industry Standard Metadata (PRISM) Working Group." - "Artesia Technologies, Inc., proud suppliers of TEAMS enterprise digital asset management, today announced its support for the International Digital Enterprise Alliance's (IDEAlliance) PRISM initiative. Slated for final completion in mid-2000, the initiative is designed to create an industry-wide standard for XML-based metadata vocabularies for the publishing industry. Through the adoption of the PRISM protocol, magazine, news and book publishers will enjoy enhanced interoperability of content leading to new revenue opportunities from existing information and increased production efficiencies. The PRISM Working Group under the auspices of the IDEAlliance, which is the standards and research arm of the Graphics Communications Association, is developing the initiative. Comprised of representatives from leading content providers and software developers, and chaired by Linda Burman of L.A. Burman Associates, this working group provides broad industry perspective and expertise to ensure the success of the project. Members of the PRISM Working Group, including representatives from Time, Inc., Quark, Vignette and Artesia Technologies, will be demonstrating how the protocol can be integrated throughout the product lifecycle, including content authoring, management and publishing, at the Seybold Seminars Boston 2000 Conference in Boston, MA."

  • [February 09, 2000] "RSA Companies and Netfish Technologies Jointly Introduce XML-Based Business-to-Business Solution for Baan Customers. XML-Enabled B2B Solution Simplifies Evolution From ERP to E-Business." - "RSA Companies, a leading provider of business technology solutions, IT infrastructure services and management consulting, and Netfish Technologies, a leader in XML-based business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce solutions, today announced a strategic alliance that now allows the two companies to deliver a set of Internet-enabled business process integration tools and solutions to the Baan customer base. The joint development effort has resulted in a 'Baan Adapter' that will seamlessly integrate the Netfish XDI system with the mission critical applications within the suite of Baan BackOffice applications. The companies also announced that RSA Companies has become a certified sales and integration partner of Netfish and will be delivering Netfish products and services to customers of Baan as well as other ERP systems. The collaborative effort will facilitate the full automation of business-to-business processes and workflows for companies that have implemented Baan ERP systems. The comprehensive suite of Netfish products, along with the new adapter, will enable Baan users to transform their traditional environments to a virtual enterprise by integrating business systems electronically with their trading partners. The goal is to improve efficiency in core business processes that will result in shorter cycle times, reduced costs of operations, and more efficient commerce-chains. Based on the rapidly emerging XML standard, the lingua franca of e-commerce, and written in Java, the Netfish XDI System goes far beyond existing e-commerce solutions by quickly integrating with existing back-office ERP systems and making it easy to automate and manage workflows for complex B2B transactions between trading partners with different applications, formats and systems. The Netfish XDI Baan Adapter is now available for delivery for both Baan IV, as well as Baan ERP. The new adapter will be priced consistently with existing Netfish adapters. Features of the adapter include: (1) Conversion of business data in the Baan system to XML B2B transactions; (2) Support for updates, queries, responses and notifications in the Baan system from inbound transactions sent by trading partners; (3) Integrated support for XML B2B standards such as RosettaNet, the BizTalk Framework, cXML, and XML-EDI."

  • [February 09, 2000] "Microsoft Accelerates Online Learning With Support for eLearning Specification. Learning Resource Interchange Promotes XML-Based Content Creation And Ease of Customization to Offer Customers Greater Choice." - "Microsoft Corp. and leaders of the eLearning community today announced support for Learning Resource Interchange (LRN), the first commercial implementation of the Instructional Management Systems (IMS) Content and Management Systems Specification developed by the eLearning industry and the IMS Global Learning Consortium. LRN is an XML-based schema that defines course content, allowing organizations and eLearning providers to easily create and manage compatible online learning content. LRN helps customers maximize their investment in eLearning by enabling a wider range of interoperable content and applications than currently exists today. To provide content and technology partners with the information and tools required to create LRN-compatible products and content, Microsoft released an initial version of the LRN Toolkit 1.0. Using the toolkit, organizations can easily create, edit and update content structure using any standard XML editor, including Microsoft Office. The toolkit is available now and includes the LRN Viewer, LRN Validator and LRN Samples, including two LRN-compatible eBooks from Microsoft Press and an MSDN developer course on Windows 2000." The Microsoft LRN Toolkit 1.0 is currently available for free download. See also "IMS Metadata Specification."

  • [February 09, 2000] "NaviSys Creates First Automated System to Sell Insurance on Web." - "NaviSys has made it simple to sell insurance policies on the Web by creating the world's first completely automated XML-based software to sell insurance - NaviSys Point of Sale Underwriting (POSU). NaviSys is a leading provider of business solutions to life and health insurance carriers and financial services organizations. NaviSys' Point of Sale Underwriting system makes it possible to analyze risk at the point of sale for a variety of insurance and financial products and enables clean cases to be underwritten on the spot. Customers can go to a company's Website and complete intelligent interactive applications. With the collected information, rules are applied to approve or decline applications online, or transfer the case for more detailed underwriting. POSU also interfaces to third party vendors - Medical Information Bureau (MIB), motor vehicle reports, labs, parameds and credit histories. This simple-to-use solution seamlessly integrates with the back office and can be customized to fit a company's e-commerce needs."

  • [February 09, 2000] "Excelergy Releases Newest Version of Advanced Billing Software. ABP 3000 Version 3.3 Increases Capabilities to Meet Demands of Deregulated Energy Market." - "Excelergy Corporation, the Cambridge, MA-based maker of software technology for the deregulated energy industry, today announced the release of the newest version of its advanced billing and customer care software, ABP (Advanced Billing Platform) 3000 version 3.3. [Features include: [1] Enhanced and more robust EBT Manager -- supports new Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and eXtensible Markup Language (XML) electronic business transaction sets; and [2] Enhanced mass data import capabilities (fully XML-enabled)... Excelergy is the first company to publish and donate XML-based (eXtensible Markup Language) standard electronic business transactions to the public domain for use by the deregulated energy industry. Based on EDI-based standard electronic business transactions, PIPE (Partner Interface Process for Energy) is a framework for XML/Internet based communications."

  • [February 08, 2000] "DataChannel Announces DataChannel Server 4.0. DataChannel Re-Defines Enterprise Information Portals (EIPs) with Next Generation XML Portal Server." - "DataChannel, a leader in XML-based Enterprise Information Portal (EIP) solutions, today announced the launch and general availability of DataChannel Server (DCS) 4.0. Using the latest in XML technology, DCS 4.0 is the core of the DataChannel EIP Solutions Framework and is designed to support e-business initiatives by integrating data from a variety of sources - from both inside and outside the enterprise. DCS 4.0 is an advanced, flexible platform for building, delivering, and managing XML-based EIPs that support e-business strategies. Using an XML backbone, DCS 4.0 unlocks all of a company's enterprise information and makes it accessible to all stakeholders - employees, customers, partners - through a secure, personalized Web interface. The server creates the possibility for information to be targeted based on the profile, roles, responsibilities, needs and security level of each individual. With its Intelligent eXtensible Architecture (IXA), DCS 4.0 is a more flexible, extensible, and dynamic environment than ever before. This unique architecture, with open-standards and cross-platform support, allows a company to organize information to match the way it works, categorizing data across unstructured and structured data sources. Most importantly, stakeholders gain convenient, personalized access to the information they need to use and share." See the company Web site for complete details, including (1) "DataChannel Releases DCS 4.0 Guided Tour" [Flash 4.0 required] and (2) "DCS 4.0 Launched on Live Webcast" [February 8th, requires Real G2 Player].

  • [February 08, 2000] "OASIS and HL7 Exchange Memberships for Advancement of XML in Healthcare." - "OASIS and Health Level Seven (HL7) today announced that they have exchanged sponsor memberships in a move that is expected to further XML application and interoperability in the healthcare industry. The reciprocal membership opens communication between the cross-industry efforts of OASIS, which advances XML interoperability through its XML.ORG industry portal, and the industry-vertical XML development work of HL7, which has made great strides in implementing XML for clinical patient and healthcare services. Both groups are international in their focus. This announcement formalizes the working relationship between OASIS and HL7, explained Laura Walker, executive director of OASIS. As a leading consortium in the healthcare industry, HL7 was one of the first to recognize the importance of XML. Their rich experience in XML development will be a great asset for OASIS, which serves as a vendor-neutral resource for vertical industry groups seeking to build consensus on XML schemas."

  • [February 08, 2000] "WebVision Launches XML-based Supply Chain Automation Application to Enable Electronic Data Exchange. WEBtropolis XDE Reinforces WebVision's Supply Chain Integration Leadership." - "WebVision, a comprehensive provider of full-scale e-business solutions, is again leading the electronic business evolution with the launch of WEBtropolis XDE (XML Data Exchange), a stand-alone application as well as a complement to existing WEBtropolis products such as ORDERnet, AUCTIONnet, and BIDtropolis. It is the first of WebVision's applications to become XML-enabled. The product, available today, is designed to help large organizations achieve one of the ultimate promises of doing business over the Web - using Internet technology as an infrastructure for optimizing the supply chain among trading partners. The company is leveraging the XML standard to provide Internet solutions for business-to-business transactions and workflow, and essentially making it possible for companies to replace Legacy EDI-based systems and processes. For current WebVision customers, WEBtropolis XDE provides a new data interchange format for any of their new or existing WebVision applications. WEBtropolis XDE version 1.0 has caught the attention of several companies already because of its ability to map to different XML document formats such as Biztalk from Microsoft and Rosettanet. By integrating with Biztalk from Microsoft and Rosettanet, the recognized leaders in the category, WEBtropolis XDE provides WebVision customers with the ability to put all of the XML pieces together without compromise. WEBtropolis XDE offers an infrastructure for linking transactions across interdependent communities of commercial trading partners, suppliers and customers. Some of the benefits from such 'transaction-chain' integration are substantially reduced costs, improved efficiencies, better business decisions and speed time-to-market."

  • [February 08, 2000] "Resumix Joins the HR-XML Consortium as a Charter Member. Resumix to Help Standardize XML Vocabularies." - "Resumix, a leading provider of enterprise and Web-based staffing management solutions, today announced its participation in the HR-XML Consortium. The Consortium is a non-profit group dedicated to the development and promotion of standardized human-resources-related XML (Extensible Markup Language) vocabularies for enabling business-to-business e-commerce and the automation of inter-company exchanges of human resources data. The HR-XML framework makes data exchange between internal and external HR applications seamless, enabling companies to transact with each other without having to install a multitude of separate interchange mechanisms. Selected as a charter member of the HR-XML Consortium, Resumix is developing technology to enable its enterprise and Web-based core recruiting software to use XML, the new data exchange technology that is dramatically improving communication worldwide." See "HR-XML Consortium."

  • [February 08, 2000] "Intranet Solutions Announces Xpedio WAM -- a Powerful New System That Improves the Way Businesses Manage Web Assets. Xpedio WAM Provides a Single Authoritative Source for Critical Web Assets on Internet, Intranet and Extranet Sites." - "IntraNet Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of Web content management solutions for the enterprise, announced today Xpedio WAM, a powerful new solution to securely manage Web site assets. Xpedio WAM ensures that content is secure, up-to-date and available to users who depend on it for developing enterprise Web applications. These Web assets may include HTML or XML, images, graphics, banners, PDF files, scripts, video, audio, ASP pages, applets, documents, etc. Xpedio WAM minimizes difficulty in locating assets, improper use of assets, or use of expired or incorrect versions, or redundant assets. Xpedio WAM works as the single authority that manages the contribution approval process, revision management, archiving, and release and expiration of Web assets while making it easy for multiple users to find them. Additionally, Xpedio WAM can version and archive entire Web sites for future re-creation for legal or other purposes. The Xpedio WAM solution is applicable to any corporation regardless of the size or number of Web sites. Xpedio WAM can be used with homegrown sites or sites published and managed using commercial tools and solutions. It also supports collaborative Web development environments inherent in large e-commerce and Internet sites, as well as intranet and extranet sites."

  • [February 08, 2000] "Information Architects Offers Industry's First XHTML Conversion Solutions Bridging HTML and XML for B2B Environment." - "Information Architects, providers of XML-based dynamic aggregation and syndication solutions for moving business across the Net, today announced its support for the W3C Recommendation for XHTML 1.0. Bridging HTML with the power of XML, XHTML provides more flexible Web pages and robust Web applications for a wide range of platforms and browsers, including handheld computers, mobile phones, PDAs, 2-way pagers, televisions and kiosks. Offering scalable, bi-directional dynamic exchange of both structured and unstructured data, content and commerce functionality in any format, iA's Metaphoria products automatically transform static and dynamic documents to HTML, XHTML, and advanced data formats such as XML and RDF. Metaphoria Converter provides unparalleled fidelity to original documents, along with backward compatibility to earlier versions of originating file formats. The Metaphoria Converter is designed to function both standalone and integrated with other Metaphoria components: coupled with the Watcher, it may be used to automatically update output XML or HTML files when source documents change. Used in conjunction with the Syndicator, the Converter's output may be integrated with different templates, style sheets or other formatting requirements depending on affiliate preferences."

  • [February 07, 2000] "Dell Computer Joins Rosettanet Consortium, Pledges Resources to Supply Chain e-business Standards. Largest U.S. Computer Supplier Strengthens IT Managing Board." - "Dell Computer Corp., Round Rock, Texas, has joined the RosettaNet e-business process standards consortium and has been elected to its Information Technology (IT) Managing Board. The largest domestic computer supplier and second largest worldwide, Dell currently has relationships with numerous companies represented on RosettaNet's IT and Electronic Components (EC) Managing Boards, which are collaborating to develop and implement interface standards that align supply chain business processes -- including order processing, inventory management, collaborative forecasting and customer service. Dell joins RosettaNet at a time when members are completing internal readiness for implementing standards that include XML-based Partner Interface Processes (PIPs), Technical Dictionaries, and the RosettaNet Implementation Framework. Dell joins such manufacturers as 3Com, Cisco, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, NEC, Quantum, Siemens and Toshiba on the 33-member IT Managing Board, which also includes software publishers, resellers, wholesale distributors, e-technologists, shippers, end users and financial institutions. RosettaNet is an independent, self-funded, non-profit consortium dedicated to the development and deployment of standard electronic business interfaces to align the processes between supply chain partners on a global basis. Launched in June 1998, RosettaNet is currently in the pilot phase of its implementation cycle. More than 60 companies representing $600 billion in annual revenues currently provide the mandate for RosettaNet's standards development strategy." See "RosettaNet."

  • [February 07, 2000] "Sun Microsystems Selects XyEnterprise Production Publisher for XML Publishing Solution." - "XyEnterprise, a leading developer of content management and publishing software, announced that Sun Microsystems, Inc., Palo Alto, California, has selected XyEnterprise Production Publisher (XPP) to automate the publishing of its SGML and XML content. XPP is a sophisticated composition system that offers high-speed automated throughput of SGML and XML data into formatted pages. Sun's primary initial use of XPP is to publish user documentation for its Solaris Operating Environment software in English, Japanese, and a variety of other languages as needed. 'We selected XPP because of its speed, versatility, and automated support for XML,' said Todd Freter, a program manager in Sun's Software Products and Platforms division. 'We needed a strong, proven, powerful formatting engine to accommodate the demands that our page design makes on the process. This project is significant because it allows us to provide Sun personnel with state-of-the-art formatting technology as well as support for our XML publishing initiatives.' Sun's implementation of XPP will serve the company's documentation groups across the United States as well as its European and Asian Language content production centers. XPP will enable Sun to rapidly produce Postscript and PDF output from SGML and XML data inputs. XPP styles will describe the look and feel of these deliverables. The software will be accessed over a network of computers running the Solaris Operating Environment software. Freter added, 'XPP will greatly ease the administration and maintenance of multiple stylesheets for multiple language output for Sun. XPP also handles character kerning and other functions quite well, which leads to a better looking product. In addition, XPP provides an unbeatable rate of throughput as well as reliable, high-quality output for our printed manuals'."

  • [February 04, 2000] "Digimarc Adopts XML for Digital Watermarking Technology." - "Digimarc Corporation, a leading provider of digital watermarking solutions, today announced that it has adopted Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) for use in the MediaBridge system, the company's breakthrough innovation bridging traditional and online media. The MediaBridge system allows readers to immediately and seamlessly link from interesting content in traditional media publications to relevant Internet destinations merely by showing the page to a Digimarc-enabled PC camera. Digimarc elected to use XML because it provides an independent, open standard supported by major software vendors for the exchange of data from magazine content to Web sites worldwide. The DIG35 Working Draft will be available for public review and comment from March 1-29, 2000. To be included on the notification list for public comment, send an email to dig35comment@digitalimaging.org. The final specification is planned for release in the third quarter of 2000... Digimarc's technology is becoming the global de facto standard for digital watermarking in a variety of media industries. Over the last several years, the company has established a pervasive following in the still image market, supporting copyright protection, digital asset management, digital rights management, and business to business image commerce solutions. Earlier this week, Digimarc endorsed the Digital Imaging Group's (DIG) first public release of the DIG35 image metadata specification, a revolutionary way to manage images across a wide range of consumer, business and professional applications."

  • [February 04, 2000] "eBusiness Technologies Announces Word-to-XML Conversion Module for DynaBase." - "eBusiness Technologies, a division of Inso Corporation and a leading provider of solutions and services for e-business applications, today announced the availability of a conversion engine that will allow end-users to upload Microsoft Word files and convert them into well-formed XML for storage and indexing in DynaBase. The new utility, offered through the company's Professional Services Group (PSG), can be customized into DynaBase's workflow toolkit. PSG also offers an XML conversion service for customers interested in a one-time or periodic batch conversion of Word documents to XML. DynaBase is [...a] Web publishing solution. Combining sophisticated content management capabilities with a powerful dynamic serving environment, DynaBase automates the production and enables personalized delivery of content to the Internet, intranet, extranet and wireless networks and devices. Designed for mid- to large-sized organizations DynaBase is a flexible scalable solution for building and sustaining interactive, online business-to-business and business-to-consumer activities."

  • [February 04, 2000] "Enigma Extends Capabilities of Dyna E-Publishing Product Line. Ongoing Development of Dyna Solutions Supports Customers' E-Publishing, E-Commerce Needs." - "Enigma, a leading provider of e-publishing for e-business, today introduced new and enhanced versions of its Dyna product line for XML e-catalogs and e-publications. With more powerful graphics handling and even greater XML functionality, customers are able to automate, customize and electronically deliver key e-business content, such as product catalogs, policy and procedure manuals and technical reference materials. The Dyna products -- including DynaText, DynaWeb and DynaTag -- form a comprehensive offering of complementary technologies to deliver intelligent e-publications. DynaTag is the leading solution for converting word processing documents to XML and SGML, while DynaWeb and Dyna Text offer superior XML/SGML e-publishing functionality. This extensive XML/SGML technology base, combined with open authoring support, enables users to leverage investments made in existing content while utilizing the capability to personalize information delivery and customize design."

  • [February 04, 2000] "Rogue Wave Software Announces New Products for Linux. XML-DB Link and XML-CORBA Link Provide Easy Connectivity to Web Clients." - "Rogue Wave Software, a premium provider of software for creating enterprise systems with object-oriented component technology, today announced at LinuxWorld Expo two new products that provide a bridge between the Internet and rich information assets locked inside the bricks and mortar of the enterprise: XML-DB Link and XML-CORBA Link (XORBA). XML-DB Link provides access to relational data stores from a web client, and XORBA provides access to object services from a web client. Both XML-DB Link and XORBA build on Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and HTTP as a base transport layer, and both are deployed as Apache modules for Linux. SOAP defines a standard remote procedure call framework in XML to facilitate client/server communication. Rogue Wave's XML-DB Link and XORBA, as a standalone solution, are scheduled for release in March of this year. The preview version of XML-DB Link is now available by registering."

  • [February 04, 2000] "Data Interchange Standards Association Becomes New Host Of XML/EDI Group." - "The XML/EDI Group, the largest grass-roots organization advocating the Extensible Markup Language (XML) for business exchanges over the Internet, has joined with the Data Interchange Standards Association (DISA) for management of its business and technical services. The XML/EDI Group and DISA made the announcement today at the Electronic Business XML (ebXML) meeting in Orlando, Fla. The XML/EDI Group becomes the latest client of DISA's rapidly growing Collaborative Services Division. Like other Collaborative Services clients, DISA will host the XML/EDI Group's web site and e-mail discussion list, as well as provide a venue for regular meetings of the group. DISA will also provide the XML/EDI Group with publishing and administrative services. The XML/EDI Group began in July 1997 as an ad hoc collection of a few professionals and volunteers in various industries dedicated to promoting and guiding the future of XML standards and products applied to electronic data interchange (EDI). The Group has grown to about 1,700 members focusing on the technology of incorporating XML with e-business particularly for smaller enterprises that have not before been able to use EDI. The XML/EDI Group has a popular e-mail discussion list that generates a continuous flow of serious yet lively exchanges on XML technology for e-business. The Group has written guidelines for XML's use with EDI and proposed specifications for repositories of XML/EDI specifications used by industry groups. The Group's activities have encouraged development of e-business standards in both North America and Europe where the group has active chapters. DISA, a Virginia-based not-for-profit association, is the leading provider of educational and networking forums on e-business. Promoting e-commerce in a global marketplace, DISA provides technical and management services to standards and XML specification development organizations, including the OpenTravel Alliance, the Interactive Financial Exchange Forum, Mortgage Bankers Association of America's Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization, the XML/EDI Group, and the Accredited Standards Committee X12. DISA's affiliation with EC User Groups and emerging initiatives around the world facilitates an interchange of e-commerce topics hitting the marketplace. In other international arenas, DISA and ASC X12 serve as the entry point for the United States into the United Nations/Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport (UN/EDIFACT), an international standard relating to the exchange of trade goods and services." See "ANSI ASC X12/XML and DISA."

  • [February 04, 2000] "HR-XML Consortium Expands Membership and Initiates Standards and Workgroups. Wide Support to Deliver Business-to-Business E-Commerce Standards Starting with Staffing, Recruiting and Employee Benefits. Consortium Elects Board of Directors." - The HR-XML Consortium today announced the results of its recent board of directors election and that more than 45 organizations have joined the Consortium for the purpose of creating and promoting standardized, HR-specific XML vocabularies. Industry-standard XML vocabularies provide the means for a company to transact business electronically with many other companies without having to establish, engineer and implement many separate interchange mechanisms. The XML-based message formats and transaction protocols being developed by the Consortium will provide a framework for a wide range of open, e-commerce services and software that will offer businesses increased efficiencies and greater ROI. The HR-XML Consortium also announced today that it has elected five members to its board of directors. The board of directors, which includes Jeff Bonar (Ultimate Software), David Donahue (Aetna), Gary O'Neall (Icarian), Lon Pilot (Watson Wyatt) and Cari Willis (IBM), is tasked with leading the non-profit group in creating and promoting a standardized XML framework for a broad range of human resource-related transactions and inter-company data exchanges." See "HR-XML Consortium."

  • [February 04, 2000] "IPNet Solutions and Celarix Showcase First RosettaNet-Based e-ordering Pilot With L.L. Bean. Successful Pilot Test Enables L.L. Bean and Its Trading Partners to Access Sophisticated Order Information with a Standard Web Browser." - "In support of RosettaNet eConcert day, IPNet Solutions Inc. and Celarix Inc. Thursday announced their successful deployment of a RosettaNet-based e-ordering pilot for apparel retailer L.L. Bean, an existing customer of Celarix. IPNet Solutions, a provider of industry-leading eBusiness solutions, and Celarix, the leading provider of Web-based transportation procurement and logistics management services, have joined forces to deploy the world's first pilot test for order updates via the Internet using RosettaNet partner interface processes (PIPs). This solution has the potential to enable L.L. Bean to communicate with its trading partners regarding order status information via a standard Web browser, and without having to install any special software. RosettaNet, an independent consortium of manufacturers, distributors, resellers, end users and solution providers, develops and deploys common eBusiness interfaces to align the processes between IT supply chain partners. IPNet, Celarix and numerous other IT vendors have committed to support RosettaNet eConcert Day, agreeing to align internal business processes with one or more published PIPs and prepare internal systems to exchange one or more PIPs with another supply chain partner... This pilot demonstrates a typical order process for L.L. Bean with the added ability to update an order's status via a standard Web browser for viewing in an XML style sheet. In this implementation, L.L. Bean's purchasing department sends an order to L.L. Bean Manufacturing, who updates the order status via a standard browser. Celarix software interfaces with L.L. Bean's system to capture and extract the purchase order, which is sent to IPNet's eBizness Suite 3.0. The IPNet system converts the purchase order to RosettaNet XML while notifying L.L. Bean Corp. of the order via email. L.L. Bean Manufacturing then updates the order status via a standard browser. IPNet eBizness Suite sends the order status updates to both L.L. Bean and Celarix for viewing. In addition to enabling two companies to dynamically exchange XML documents, the user interface for the transaction is rendered using XML and XSL (XML style sheets)." See "RosettaNet."

  • [February 04, 2000] "GA eXpress eTools XML Brings e-Commerce to MultiValue Customers. Spectrum 2000 Conference Attendees Confirm Strategy To Bring e-Commerce to the $3 billion MultiValue Marketplace." - "GA eXpress, formerly General Automation, today announced that attendees at the Spectrum 2000 Conference here have validated the company's new ePath strategy -- in particular GA eXpress' decision to place a heavy emphasis on XML products. Demonstrated for the first time this week, the company's initial XML product, eTools XML, was met with an enthusiastic response by the show's attendees. The new development kit gives GA eXpress customers a path to build an industry-compliant foundation for migrating, manipulating, moving and gathering critical business information electronically using eXtensible Markup Language (XML). The eTools XML kit will be available in calendar Q1 2000. eTools XML is part of GA eXpress' new suite of products that enable businesses that use MultiValue databases to develop comprehensive e-Business systems. Other eTools development kits include eTools JDBC (Java), eTools OLE DB and eTools ODBC. The new family of products also includes eDesigner, available for the ODBC and OLE DB products, which is an easy-to-use Windows-based tool for mapping, directing and administrating the data and data paths that are to be utilized by the client system. eConnect ODBC is another new product in the suite, and provides an easy-to-use direct read connect from any MultiValue data source into the more than 300 ODBC-compliant applications for Windows."

  • [February 04, 2000] "OnDisplay Launches Industry's First Free B2B XML Server. New XML Connect Delivers Open, Guaranteed, Secure Real-Time B2B Document Exchange Among E-Marketplaces, Buyers and Suppliers." - OnDisplay, Inc., a leading provider of e-business infrastructure software for powering e-business portals and e-marketplaces, today announced that it will deliver the industry's first free business-to-business XML server software for any organization that needs to establish secure, guaranteed exchange with online trading partners. Called XML Connect, the new product enables the exchange of XML business documents -- such as purchase orders, invoices, and order confirmations -- seamlessly and securely with any other XML Connect user, as well as with users of OnDisplay's CenterStage eBizXchange product. Currently, there is no easy way to accomplish the secure, reliable exchange of business documents across multiple trading partners online, due to the varying communications requirements of each partner. With XML Connect, companies can standardize their XML communications quickly and simply. OnDisplay believes that by seeding the market with XML Connect, the company will greatly accelerate the adoption of XML and B2B commerce, according to Mark Pine, OnDisplay CEO."

  • [February 04, 2000] "OnDisplay Joins WAP Forum To Extend E-Business To The Mobile Users. E-Business Leader Supports Open Standards to Deliver Instant Information and Transactions to Wireless Computing Devices." - "OnDisplay, Inc., a leading provider of e-business infrastructure software for powering e-business portals and e-marketplaces, today announced it has joined the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Forum in an effort to provide rich, reliable relevant content and real-time transactions to mobile users. In response to market demand for mobile e-commerce solutions, OnDisplay will conform work to ensure its products to meet WAP specifications, thereby ensuring furthering open standards and helping to fuel the continued growth of the wireless information industry. OnDisplay's CenterStage products and services enable corporations to deploy and easily manage e-business portals and e-marketplaces that seamlessly aggregate, integrate and exchange information between among customers and trading partners. The WAP Forum is an industry associations that has developed the de facto worldwide standard for wireless information and telephony services on digital mobile phones and other wireless terminals. Handset manufacturers representing 95 percent of the world market across all technologies have committed to shipping WAP-enabled devices. Carriers representing more than 100 million subscribers worldwide have joined WAP. These commitments will put tens of millions of WAP-browser-enabled products in consumer hands by the end of 2000. WAP Forum membership is open to all industry participants."

  • [January 31, 2000] "DataChannel Server 4.0 Released to Manufacturing. WebCast on February 8th to Announce General Availability of Next Generation XML-Based EIP Server " - DataChannel announced today that is has released DataChannel Server 4.0, its flagship XML-based Enterprise Information Portal Server, to manufacturing to be made commercially available on February 8th, 2000. A webcast to be held at 10:00 a.m. PST on that day will highlight the features and benefits of this next generation XML-based Portal Server from DataChannel. Registered participants of the DCS 4.0 webcast will learn how the new architecture is entirely founded on XML and its supporting technologies. This will include a review of XPages, a transformation environment, which has already been submitted as open-source to Apache.org. Additionally, DCS 4.0 is built on DataChannel's Portal Markup Language (PML 1.0), which was submitted to OASIS and its XML.org. This allows partners, suppliers, and other business-to-business applications to share their own "channels" of information by using this standard portal layout described in XML. Enterprise Information Portal Solutions from DataChannel provide customers with a personalized, e-business interface to mission-critical information. In today's information economy, there are no boundaries on the enterprise or the information it must manage. DataChannel Server 4.0 (DCS 4.0) creates a 'virtual enterprise' by unleashing information found at the heart of a company and combining it with data and applications from partners, e-marketplaces, and the Internet. This information can be dynamically categorized into 'Channels' which are then published in a personalized view to the right user, inside or outside of the enterprise."

  • [January 31, 2000] "Business-to-Business the Right Way: Open, Standards-Based. DataChannel to Support tpaML from IBM." - "DataChannel announced today its support of tpaML (trading partner agreement markup language), IBM's XML-based business-to-business initiative that was submitted for standardization to OASIS' XML.org. A recently released report from Forrester Research estimates that business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce will be worth $1.3 trillion by 2003. To capitalize on this tremendous opportunity, many businesses will start taking advantage of B2B e-commerce collaborations. TpaML enables the automation of these collaborations. DataChannel will support tpaML, submitted to XML.org of OASIS, as the mechanism to define trading practices, processes, and protocols between partners. Once defined, these transactions will become just another series of XML documents exchanged and managed through DataChannel's XML-based Enterprise Information Portal (EIP). DataChannel's XML-based EIP Solution creates an open, standards-based platform to personalize an 'e-business interface' to mission critical information. Using XML and other open standards, DataChannel's EIP extends beyond the boundaries of today's corporation, creating a 'virtual enterprise' where partners, suppliers, customers, and employees can subscribe to the relevant 'channels' of information that are personalized to their subscription." See "Trading Partner Agreement Markup Language (tpaML)."

  • [January 31, 2000] "IBM Selects XML.ORG for Vendor-Neutral Standardization of tpaML XML B-2-B Transaction Specification. XML.ORG, Sponsored by OASIS, Facilitates New Standard for E-Contracts." - "OASIS, the vendor-neutral organization for XML interoperability, announced that IBM has submitted its Trading Partner Agreement Markup Language (tpaML) for standardization within the OASIS XML.ORG initiative. Developed by IBM, the tpaML specification uses XML to define and implement electronic contracts. The foundation of tpaML is the Trading Partner Agreement (TPA), which defines how trading partners will interact at the transport, document exchange and business protocol layers. A TPA contains the general contract terms and conditions, participant roles (buyers, sellers), communication and security protocols and business processes, (valid actions, sequencing rules, etc.). XML-based TPA documents capture the essential information upon which trading partners must agree in order for their applications and business processes to communicate. tpaML is a complementary technology to ebXML, the Electronic Business XML initiative, which is a joint effort of the United Nations/CEFACT and OASIS to establish a global framework for the exchange of electronic business data." See now: "Trading Partner Agreement Markup Language (tpaML)."

  • [January 28, 2000] "The Open Applications Group Announces the Release of 122 XML Based Business Messages, the Largest Set Of XML Messages For eBusiness and Application Integration In the World. The Open Applications Group publishes 122 business transaction DTDs on their web site, also announces 26+ live sites running OAGIS based messages." - "The Open Applications Group, Inc. (OAGI), the largest publisher of XML-based business messages in the world, today announced the publication of their latest specifications for eBusiness and Application Integration. Release 6.2 of the business process based Open Applications Group Integration Specification (OAGIS) contains the largest and richest set of Extensible Markup Language (XML) Document Type Definition (DTD) files in the world and goes the farthest towards defining the 'digital dial tone' that organizations require to do business in the emerging eWorld. These specifications may be downloaded for free. There are currently at least 26 live sites running OAGIS based integration and it is expected that by the end of First Quarter 2000, there will be at least 25 more live sites, bringing the total number of users to over 50. These sites include many kinds of integration, including eBusiness, Supply Chain, Financials, and Banking. The Open Applications Group is a non-profit consortium focusing on best practices and process based XML content for eBusiness and Application Integration. It is the largest publisher of XML based content for business software interoperability in the world." See "Open Applications Group."

  • [January 27, 2000] "NetSanity's 'XML Pull' Platform Adopted by Forty Leading Internet Companies. Unveiled At Upside's Showcase 2000 Conference. Tech Veterans Regis McKenna and Bill Melton Join Nokia Ventures as Investors in NetSanity, Inc." - "NetSanity, Inc., creators of a new category of Internet software for the delivery, notification and management of web-based information, today previewed their forthcoming 'XML Pull'' technology at Upside's Showcase 2000 Conference and announced two additional investors. NetSanity received capital investments from two of the technology industry's brightest stars - Regis McKenna and Bill Melton. NetSanity's two founders, Fred Clarke and Rob Blechman, today gave the first public demonstration of NetSanity's 'XML Pull' Platform and SmartBar software from the Showcase 2000 stage. The software will soon exit the beta phase of testing after an overwhelmingly successful series of customer trials. NetSanity's new `XML Pull' platform cuts through web clutter and provides users with direct desktop access to content, commerce, and tools from their favorite web sites. The company's first product, the NetSanity SmartBar, is a small (400k) application that retrieves XML-based web content directly from disparate sites, presenting it in one location on the desktop - without delivering advertisements."

  • [January 27, 2000] "Microsoft Announces Support for XSLT and XPath With Web-Based Technology Preview Release. Microsoft Demonstrates Continued Support for W3C Standards, Introduces New Vehicle for Delivering Prerelease Technology to Early Adopters." - "As part of its continued support for the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)'s Extensible Markup Language (XML) standards, Microsoft Corp. today released a preview version of its XML parser. The XML parser delivers on Microsoft's commitment to support the W3C's latest recommendations of XSL Transformations (XSLT) and XML Path Language (XPath) and includes new features that increase performance and efficiency. Today's preview release is available for immediate download. Building on Microsoft's commitment to support W3C standards, this preview version is the first in an ongoing series of technology previews that Microsoft plans to release to ensure that early adopters have access to the latest versions of W3C standards. As XML-based solutions become more pervasive, XML services need to be readily available on any development platform and work seamlessly with all available tools. Microsoft will continue to deliver these services as an integral part of the Microsoft Windows platform. Growing use of XML in business-to-business solutions means increased demands on server-side processing of XML. Microsoft continues its ongoing focus on server-side optimization with this version of the XML parser, which has resulted in performance gains of 200 percent to 300 percent in some common scenarios. In addition, developers will be able to install this preview release with their existing solutions and run their current applications as before, because it runs side by side with their existing parser, allowing developers to build new applications that take advantage of the XML services and features in the preview release. In addition to increasing base performance, Microsoft has also introduced new features that make server-based use of XML more efficient. Throughput of a system is closely tied to the rate at which it can validate, query and transform documents. However, systems that deal with very high volumes of documents or messages usually only employ a small number of schemas and style sheets. This release introduces new features that allow preloading and caching of these commonly used components, thereby enabling systems to validate and transform documents more quickly."

  • [January 27, 2000] "Leading OFX Solution Providers Endorse OFX Version 2.0. Industry Support for XML-based Specification Grows." - "Highlighting broad industry support for the Open Financial Exchange (OFX) specification, thirty-two leading OFX Solution Providers (OSPs) working with Intuit Inc. have committed to support version 2.0 of the OFX specification and to build solutions around its new capabilities. Version 2.0 of the specification further enhances financial information exchange over the Internet by adding support for 401(k) and 1099 statement downloads, as well as bringing OFX into XML compliance, which enables users to interact with more content and applications on the Internet using XML tools. Endorsement by the industry's top system integrators and service bureaus reflects overall market demand and endorsement for this standard for Web-based financial data connectivity. The rising number of vendors supporting OFX 2.0 will further accelerate the adoption of the OFX specification. Industry backing by OSPs means that financial institutions will have more choice of processors and be better able to process online banking-related data such as checking, money market, savings and credit card accounts, as well as 401(k) and 1099 tax form data. . . OFX is a unified specification for the electronic exchange of financial data between financial institutions, businesses and consumers via the Internet. It is designed to support a wide range of financial activities including consumer and small business banking; consumer and small business bill payment; investments, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds." See "Open Financial Exchange (OFX/OFE)."

  • [January 26, 2000] "IAI Adopts aecXML for Internet Interoperability for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Transaction Communication." - "The International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) today announced its adoption of aecXML - an XML schema - for project and business-to-business communication for architecture, engineering, construction, and facility management (AEC+FM) transactions. The language will provide significant savings by providing frictionless, Internet-based interoperability among AEC+FM project members regardless of their software applications. aecXML is a framework of XML-based schemas which will facilitate improved communication among the various AEC+FM constituencies, including architects, building product manufacturers, building owners, general and subcontractors, engineers, facility managers, software companies, and energy and environmental analysts, and others. aecXML uses the rapidly developing XML standard to eliminate current disconnects created by various software platforms. With barriers removed, critical information will be able to be exchanged seamlessly over the Internet saving time and money. The aecXML schema conforms to Microsoft's BizTalk Framework (and is designed to incorporate and extend cXML (the Commerce XML standard developed by Ariba and others. aecXML adds to the e-commerce foundations the keywords and attributes necessary to describe the components and properties of the various aspects of a building's design, construction and operation. For example, an aecXML formatted message could request a search for a particular type of sound-attenuating insulation and a different aecXML-formatted message could be used to identify a local contractor capable of installing it. IAI was incorporated in 1995 as a fast-track standards-setting organization; its primary goal to develop and promote commercial implementation of common formats for the rapid exchange of information among all AEC+FM disciplines involved in the commercial building process - from concept, to design and engineering, to costing and operation, to facility and move management, to building maintenance. Implementing true interoperability among the plethora of software tools used by the AEC+FM community would save billions of dollars annually in North America according to industry experts."

  • [January 26, 2000] "Commerce One Announces New XML Technology to Accelerate Deployment of B2B E-Commerce. World's First Object-Oriented, Schema-based XML Transaction Engine Now Available." - "Commerce One, Inc.), a leader in global e-commerce solutions for business, today introduced a set of revolutionary new XML technology tools delivered with Commerce One's MarketSite Portal Solution 3.0. This robust technology enables the rapid development and deployment of open XML-based portals, trading communities, applications, and documents. XML technology enables trading partners to easily transact across dissimilar applications, systems, software, and documents. Commerce One's XML technology and tools are ideal for trading partners and Internet market makers who want to accelerate trading through B2B e-commerce. The new XML-based transaction platform enables heterogeneous systems to communicate and allows different portals to interoperate and connect to the Commerce One Global Trading Web. This comprehensive set of schema-based XML tools includes: (1) Commerce One XML Commerce Connector (XCC), provides all the components necessary for trading partners to integrate with Commerce One MarketSite. XCC includes a robust set of tools to enable the creation, transmission, routing and processing of XML-based documents. (2) Schema for Object-Oriented XML (SOX), Commerce One's default XML schema language is used by MarketSite to define business documents. (3) XML Common Business Library (xCBL) 2.0, a set of XML-based building blocks and a document framework that helps developers create business documents in Microsoft's XDR schema language and Commerce One's SOX. (4) An initial set of 11 pre-defined XML-based business documents, such as purchase orders, invoices and product catalogs built using xCBL. (5) Commerce One XML Development Kit Pro (XDK Pro), the ideal toolkit for building robust, extendable, document-based e-commerce applications. By applying a Java-based programming model to XML documents, XDK Pro makes programming schema-based XML applications easier, safer, and more efficient." [Yahoo]

  • [January 26, 2000] "GCA Announces XTech 2000. San Jose to Host Premier XML Developers' Conference and Expo." - "The Graphic Communications Association (GCA) announced today the details of XTech 2000, its annual XML software developer conference and exhibition. The conference runs from Feb. 27 through March 2, 2000 at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California. XTech 2000 features a concentrated educational program designed specifically for XML software developers, providing an in-depth look at the advancements and future challenges facing the XML standardization process. Conference Co-Chairs include Jon Bosak of Sun Microsystems, Tim Bray of Textuality, and David Megginson of Megginson Technologies. The program -- sponsored by Sun Microsystems, IBM and Microsoft -- will feature speakers from Microsoft, Oracle, Sun, the Apache Group, IBM, and Netscape, each of whom will be reporting on (and showing) the latest XML technologies. The conference is expected to attract up to 1,000 attendees from the XML community, including technology experts, developers, engineers, technical managers and decision-makers. XTech will provide attendees the opportunity to learn directly from the industry's most knowledgeable innovators, fresh from their work on the frontlines of web development." See the main conference entry for details.

  • [January 26, 2000] "HireSystems and Liquid Software Offer eBusiness Link to PeopleSoft. HireSystems' Express Hiring Management Solution to Use LiquidLINK to Integrate With PeopleSoft HRMS Via the Web." - "Liquid Software, Inc., the provider of LiquidLINK Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) products, and HireSystems, the quality leader in hiring management systems, today announced their partnership to deliver Express LiquidLINK for PeopleSoft. Using XML-based exchange methodologies, Express LiquidLINK will extend HireSystems' innovative Web-native recruiting and staffing solution by interfacing seamlessly with PeopleSoft HRMS, automating business workflow throughout the hiring process. HireSystems Express is a powerful integrated package of resume management services and enterprise-caliber applicant tracking software, all accessed as a service via the Web through a standard browser interface. Many companies use PeopleSoft to manage personnel, job, payroll, and benefits information that needs to be shared with recruiting functions to streamline hiring activities. LiquidCENTER, LiquidLINK's PeopleSoft-certified integration engine, allows companies to access HireSystems' best-of-breed functionality while leveraging all of the strengths of their ERP investment."

  • [January 24, 2000] "Oracle Delivers New XML-Based E-Business Intelligence Tools. Oracle Discoverer 3i and Reports 6i Releases to Provide the Next Step In Oracle's Intelligent Webhouse Initiative." - "Oracle Corp. today announced the imminent releases of its Internet Business Intelligence tools, Oracle Discoverer 3i and Oracle Reports 6i, with support for Extensible Markup Language (XML), the standard for sharing and exchanging information within and among businesses. Oracle Discoverer 3i and Reports 6i will allow users to explore and publish e-business information tailored for the recipient simply by using a standard web browser. Discoverer 3i and Reports 6i are designed specifically for Internet computing environments -- users will be able to directly publish information as XML documents allowing applications within and across enterprises to share information. Using XML, Reports 6i will enable developers to deliver reports that are dynamically personalized for each user. Implemented using Java and XML, Discoverer 3i will offer the full featured, award-winning user interface using only a standard web browser. Oracle Reports 6i, and Oracle Discoverer 3i Beta releases are available on Oracle Technology Network (OTN). For more information on Oracle Reports and Oracle Discoverer, please visit http://www.oracle.com/tools or the Oracle Technology Network, (URL) http://technet.oracle.com/."

  • [January 21, 2000] " Rational Offers Unisys XMI Software for Rational Rose 2000." - "Unisys Corporation today announced an agreement with Rational Software that will enable Rational to provide the Unisys implementation of the XMI (XML Metadata Interchange) specification for its customers' use in exchanging information between the new Rational Rose 2000 visual modeling environment and other UML (Unified Modeling Language)-based tools and environments. The Unisys XMI software is available immediately for customer download from the Rational Web site. Through Unisys XMI software, Rational Rose 2000 users will be able to interchange information with other development and planning tools at a much finer level of detail than ever before. This capability will enable enterprise customers to build an application infrastructure that improves their capability to conduct high-volume electronic business in heterogeneous, multivendor environments... Unisys and Rational worked closely together on XMI technology during the process of defining the XMI specification. When the XMI specification was submitted to the OMG for approval, the two companies collaborated on a dramatic demonstration of how disparate development tools and environments can interoperate using XMI. Details of the demonstration can be found on the OMG Web site at http://www.omg.com/news/pr99/transcript.doc. XMI is an industry standard for storing and sharing object programming and design information so that development teams using various tools from multiple vendors can develop software collaboratively. It was defined in March, 1999, by the Object Management Group (OMG), an object technology standards body. XMI uses XML (eXtensible Markup Language), a widely used standard defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and integrates it with the OMG's Unified Modeling Language (UML) and Meta Object Facility (MOF) to make it the cornerstone of an open information interchange model." On XMI, see "XML Metadata Interchange Format (XMI) - Object Management Group (OMG)."

  • [January 21, 2000] "Just in Time Delivers Key Contributions to IFX Internet Billing and Payment Standard. Company helps drive XML definition for IFX 1.01 specification." - "Just in Time Solutions, a leading provider of Internet billing and interactive customer care software, today announced that it has delivered the document type definition (DTD) for the eXtensible markup language (XML) representation contained in the Interactive Financial Exchange (IFX) 1.01 specification. The IFX 1.01 specification, which was recently released by the IFX Forum for public comment, is an open standard that provides a framework for the exchange of financial data between financial institutions, service providers and customers. With input from other members of the IFX Forum's XML Working Group, Just in Time took the lead in creating the DTD for the XML representation contained in the IFX 1.01 specification. The incorporation of a DTD in IFX 1.01 enables financial institutions, service providers and technology vendors to begin developing applications using IFX. In addition, Just in Time helped establish the rules and guidelines for sending and receiving IFX messages in XML. The standard can be found at http://www.ifxforum.org/. See "IFX Forum."

  • [January 21, 2000] "Software AG Introduces First Complete XML Architecture for Electronic Business. XENON: The New Standard Platform for Commercial XML Applications On the Web." - "Software AG strengthens its position as a leader in XML technology. With XENON, the world's first complete architecture for commercial XML applications, Software AG has laid the foundation for rapid entry into a new generation of electronic business systems. XENON - the 'XML ENabled Open Network' - is the first complete architecture for XML applications and was designed specifically for the development of electronic business systems. It is based entirely on open standards, offering users and software providers a reliable, durable framework with interfaces for development, deployment and scalability of XML applications. In particular, tools from software vendors can be integrated easily with XENON. Featuring the X-Studio, X-Bridge, X-Machine and X-Node components, XENON provides an ideal basis for the support and integration of new business processes on the Internet - even if these transactions are run on various platforms. The new X-Studio module is a system for building XML applications. Its numerous application templates simplify development, for instance, when building and integrating Web shops. In addition, the X-Studio offers a full range of XML tools, including XML and schema editors, style sheet processors, and an interactive development environment. The new X-Bridge is an XML middleware, providing a link between XML applications on different system platforms. The X-Machine enables storage of data in its native XML format. The X-Node allows access to existing data sources and brings data to the Web in XML format."

  • [January 21, 2000] "XSpLit, Free Utility from Percussion Software, Available Now Converts HTML Into XML, XSL." - "Percussion Software's XSpLit, a free utility for converting HTML into XML and XSL, is now available at http://www.percussion.com/xsplit. XSpLit meets the demands of organizations that need a simple and effective way of transforming thousands of Web-based HTML pages into XML for e-commerce and other applications. With XSpLit, developers can easily create the XML and XSL equivalents of their HTML pages without investing a lot of time learning XML or writing the pages by hand. This is a critical need of most organizations, since the majority of Web content is currently HTML-based. This patent-pending technology is a key component of Percussion's XML Data Server product, Rhythmyx, which dynamically serves structured data from relational databases into Web pages. Rhythmyx is one of the first products that makes use of XSL in a production environment and helps organizations benefit from XML today."

  • [January 20, 2000] "Internet Leaders Unite To Define Next Wave In E-Commerce: Digital Receipts. ARTS Formally Accepts Proposed XML-based Standard for Digital Receipts." - "ARTS, the Association for Retail Technology Standards of the National Retail Federation, today formally accepted a proposed XML-based standard for delivering receipts over the Internet. An innovation that will soon bring proof of purchase to your PC, the Digital Receipt is the product of the Digital Receipt Alliance, which was formed and led by NCR Corporation. Other founding members of the Alliance include America Online; Microsoft; Office Depot; ValiCert, Inc. (formerly known as Receipt.com); RCS and VeriFone, a division of Hewlett Packard Company. There are other parties that have identified interest in the Digital Receipt Alliance, including a leading payment card association and a leading personal software company. Shop.org, the trade association of online retailers, has agreed to review the proposed standard. 'ARTS supports the Digital Receipt Alliance, and believes that this collaborative approach is neutral and in the best interest of the retail community. Similarly, ARTS believes that a standard electronic receipt will be great for e-commerce and may be the best choice for some consumers making in store purchases,' said Richard Mader, executive director of ARTS. The receipt is an Internet version of the traditional paper receipt, and can be delivered via e-mail or to a web site database. Deliverable for in-store and online purchases, Digital Receipts can also allow purchase data to be downloaded into personal finance, tax or accounting applications."

  • [January 20, 2000] "Sterling Commerce Announces New XML Solution for RosettaNet Members. New Software and Consulting Services Solution Will Increase Supply Chain Efficiencies Over the Internet Making It Easier For IT Industry to Conduct E-Business." - "Sterling Commerce, Inc. today announced its new E-business process integration software and consulting services solution through its participation in RosettaNet. RosettaNet is a consortium of manufacturers and distributors of computer products dedicated to accelerating supply chain automation. Sterling Commerce's 'RosettaNet Server' is designed to improve E-business supply chain management through the implementation of open and common processes by leveraging enabling technologies such as eXtensible Markup Language (XML). This solution helps companies implement RosettaNet's methodology for enabling small and large buyers and sellers to do business more efficiently over the Internet. Using RosettaNet Partner Interface Processes (PIPs), member companies are improving E-business process integration (BPI) over the Internet via standards like XML. Through its RosettaNet Server, Sterling Commerce provides E-business process integration solutions that simplify collaboration between commerce partners and improve business processes between supply chain partners on a global basis." See "RosettaNet."

  • [January 20, 2000] "POET Software Adds FastObject Technology and Enhanced Functionality to Its Next-Generation XML Content Management Solution." - "POET Software announced today POET Content Management Suite (CMS) version 2.1, the latest release of its repository-based solution for creating, managing, and maintaining complex XML publications. POET has enhanced CMS 2.1 with the POET object repository, integration with Arbortext's Adept Editor, and custom metadata functionality, providing corporate and commercial publishers with faster performance for workgroups, tighter best-of-breed tool integration, and better component management. POET CMS 2.1 features many performance enhancements, such as checkouts, checkins, and imports that are up to twice as fast as the POET CMS 2.0 release. POET CMS 2.1 integrates POET Object Server Suite (OSS) 6.0, the latest release of POET's award-winning object data management software, featuring POET's new FastObject technology. POET OSS, the underlying database technology behind POET CMS, provides significant performance, flexibility, and scalability benefits over relational and file-based repository architectures for complex object data such as XML and SGML. POET CMS 2.1 introduces an Author Plug-in for Adept Editor, Arbortext's widely used, powerful XML/SGML authoring environment. With the Author Plug-in for Adept, users can create, manage, edit, and reuse document components in the POET CMS repository, providing unified authoring and management within the familiar Adept interface."

  • [January 19, 2000] "edocs Unveils Additional XML and XSL Functionality. Graphical Application Development Environment and High Performance XML/XSL Formatting Engine Simplifies XML Generation from Unstructured Legacy Data." - "edocs, a leading provider of Internet billing and customer management software and services, today announced XMLDirect. XMLDirect enables the rapid deployment of applications that transform legacy bill, statement, trade confirmation and other transactional document data directly into XML without the need to write programming code in languages such as C++, Java, or Perl. XMLDirect builds on the strengths of edocs' BillDirect platform, which is a complete, off-the-shelf software solution that transforms transactional content into personalized, interactive communications for enabling customer care and marketing via the Internet. BillDirect is used by high volume billers such as American Express and General Electric (GE) Capital. With XMLDirect, companies can quickly and easily transform transactional document data into highly structured XML formats, while simultaneously generating XSL format stylesheets. XML format stylesheets can contain business rules that enable XML/XSL -ready applications to intelligently process the XML format information. This simplifies the process of using XML format data within a variety of XML-ready applications, including secure content distribution systems, Internet billing applications, data mining and customer intelligence systems."

  • [January 17, 2000] "Partnership to Develop New e-Commerce Standard for Steel Industry. Integration of Prominent North American Steelmaker Dofasco Begins." - "e-STEEL Corporation today announced that it is teaming with two internationally-recognized technology leaders to form a strategic alliance to develop and implement integrated end-to-end e-Commerce solutions for steel industry members. The alliance with webMethods and Computer Sciences Corporation will also produce SML (Steel Markup Language), a new open standard protocol for Internet-based electronic sharing of information between buyers and sellers of steel products. Additionally, e-STEEL announced a strategic partnership with Dofasco Inc. one of North America's largest and most profitable steelmakers. Dofasco, a charter member and strategic investor in e-STEEL, will serve as the launch site for the integration initiative, and will be the first member to incorporate SML. e-STEEL is the neutral, negotiation-based, online B2B exchange for the $700 billion global steel industry. Alliance Reports that SML Standard is Critical to Industry Adoption SML, which is expected to become the standard within the steel industry for B2B e-Commerce will be used to create consistencies across companies' technology platforms. Based on XML, the emerging Internet standard for data-sharing between applications, SML will enable Internet-based integration of a range of services and will facilitate stronger and significantly more cost-efficient system-to-system transactions. webMethods role in the alliance will be to provide the backbone to deliver SML, other existing XML standards, and EDI connectivity." See "Steel Markup Language (SML)."

  • [January 13, 2000] "E-Commerce Conference to Examine XML/EDI Alternatives. Industry Representatives Will Share Latest E-Commerce Advances." - "Attempting to dispel the myths surrounding Extensible Markup Language (XML) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), a joint CompTIA/EIDX conference will take a closer look at how the two concepts overlap, as well as how they differ. Participants in the February 21-24 conference, held in San Jose, Calif. and hosted by Nortel Networks, will also examine how companies are applying XML, EDI and other technologies to address the e-commerce challenges of today and tomorrow. The February 21-24 [2000] conference, XML-Files - Electronic Commerce Alternatives, will be the third consecutive e-commerce meeting jointly sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association's (CompTIA) global Electronic Commerce Standards Board (ECSB), an e-commerce standards-setting body, and the Electronics Industry Data Exchange Association (EIDX)... The Electronics Industry Data Exchange Association (EIDX) was formed in 1987. It is an incorporated, nonprofit, association of companies from all segments of the electronics industry. EIDX serves as a forum for electronic commerce and EDI information exchange and contacts within the industry. EIDX also works with other industries where EIDX guidelines may fit their business needs."

  • [January 12, 2000] "infoShark Joins Microsoft Ranks as XML Schema is Accepted by BizTalk.org. infoShark Automates XML Data Sharing Between Vertical Industries." - "infoShark, inc. announced today that its Commerce Accelerated Relational Data (CARD) Schema has been accepted by Microsoft's BizTalk Framework. The CARD schema's acceptance puts the top XML consortium behind infoShark, a leading provider of XML-based data delivery solutions for eBusiness. infoShark's CARD schema is unique in that it enables the bi-directional exchange of relational data over the Internet. The schema provides all the necessary information to recreate relational databases and populate them with their data via the Internet. Terabytes of health and financial records, pricing information, sports scores and personnel records are stored in databases around the world. Much of this information can be put to use on the Web. In fact, much of this information could generate new revenue for its providers and significantly reduce costs if it could be quickly and easily exchanged from database to database over the Web. The infoShark CARD schema makes this possible... In keeping with this vision, infoShark used the CARD schema as the framework for its most recent solution, XMLShark (BETA). XMLShark automates the sharing of XML data between industries and eliminates the need for a universal standard. To date, certain industries have developed their own set of standards, or glossary of terms, but the data has remained proprietary and unavailable for use outside their vertical market. XMLShark frees XML data from its industry stronghold and delivers it quickly and easily for use as it is needed." See "BizTalk Framework."

  • [January 12, 2000] "ecomXML Joins RosettaNet to Advance Business-to-Business E-Commerce." - "ecomXML, a provider of business-to-business electronic commerce solutions, has joined RosettaNet, a consortium that develops and deploys XML-based standard electronic business interfaces. Internet-based XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is replacing EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) as the language of business-to-business electronic commerce. ecomXML has just released the beta version of ecomTalk Server, which allows companies to manage their supply chain using XML. RosettaNet, a consortium of manufacturers, distributors, resellers, end users and solution providers, develops a framework for business-to-business electronic interchange over the Internet. RosettaNet's Implementation Framework (RNIF) will help ecomXML continue development of ecomTalk Server, which is a digital router for electronic commerce. ecomTalk Server connects a company with its trading partners over the Internet. ecomTalk Server converts databases to XML that matches the PIPs, encrypts and provides a digital signature. On the receiving end, ecomTalk Server, verifies certificates, decrypts and routes the XML document to its destination. ecomTalk Server brings companies quickly into the rapidly growing world of B2B e-commerce where they will find new business opportunities and a competitive advantage. ecomTalk Server saves money with an out-of-box solution, low cost of deployment and support for open standards, scalability and security." See "RosettaNet."

  • [January 12, 2000] "AppNet and UCCnet To Build Internet's Largest Electronic Marketplace For Business-to-Business Transactions. Grocers and Packaged Goods Companies Representing $300 Billion in Supply Chain Revenues Have Signed Letters of Intent." - "AppNet, Inc., a premier provider of end-to-end e-business solutions, today announced that it has been awarded a multi-year contract to develop, build and maintain the world's largest Internet marketplace for executing business-to-business (B2B) transactions. The multi-year contract was awarded by UCCnet, a subsidiary of the Uniform Code Council, Inc. (UCC), which administers the Universal Product Code. The mission of the UCC is to take a global leadership role in establishing and promoting multi-industry standards for product identification, including the Universal Product Code (U.P.C.) and related electronic communications. UCCnet and AppNet will develop the electronic marketplace to enable all item information to be synchronized and updated in real time between manufacturers and retailers worldwide over the Internet. Since UCCnet's primary goal is to create an open environment for business of all sizes, industries, and markets, UCCnet will create an open, standards-based marketplace for connecting global businesses online based on XML (extensible Markup Language). The initiative represents the most sweeping effort yet to boost supply-chain efficiencies across all categories of industry. Companies who have already committed to the initiative include Frito-Lay, Inc., The Kroger Company, The Procter & Gamble Company, Ralston Purina Company, SUPERVALU, Inc., Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., American Greetings, Tyson Foods, Inc., Spartan Stores, Inc., and H.E. Butt Grocery Company. In addition, more than 60 companies are helping to define requirements for UCCnet and AppNet."

  • [January 12, 2000] "Excelergy Launches Retail Energy Industry's First Internet Transaction Hub. eXACThub Internet Site Reduces Cost and Complexity of Business to Business Transactions." - "Excelergy Corporation, the customer care and billing technology leader for the deregulated energy industry, today announced the launch of eXACThub, an Internet-based clearinghouse for all transactions among energy participants in the deregulated retail energy market. eXACThub is the first Internet hub for the deregulated energy industry that enables secure communications, access to information and robust transactions among all energy participants. Using an Internet Explorer 5 browser, energy suppliers or designated agents can use eXACThub to fill out standard enrollment forms for new customers. The customer information is then stored and retrieved from eXACThub using the energy industry's XML (eXtensible Markup Language) standard format.(1) Any customer information system able to process the industry standard XML can therefore use eXACThub to automate its entire customer acquisition process. [...] Excelergy is the deregulating energy marketplace's leading provider of Web-based customer information and transaction management technology. From developing innovative billing software platforms to publishing the retail energy industry's first XML standards to offering e-ChoiceNet, an auction site for retail energy procurement, Excelergy is giving energy companies a competitive advantage in the New Energy Economy. PIPE (Partner Interface Process for Energy) has been published as the retail energy industry's standard XML format."

  • [January 12, 2000] "Bowerbird Computing Releases Version 1.0 of Embedded Database for XML." - "Bowerbird Computing has announced the release of XDBM, a free embedded database designed specifically to handle XML. XML is a new Internet language written by the World Wide Web Consortium. Unlike its predecessor HTML, XML can be used to express any sort of information, not just to present documents. For example, XML is currently being used to define spreadsheets, word processor documents and even chemical formulae. With XML you will no longer need to worry about whether someone you are sending a spreadsheet to can read the document, as any XML aware programme can read an XML spreadsheet. There are currently many options available to programmers who want to make their programme XML aware, but they all have three shortcomings: They are slow because they need to read the entire file to find out what it contains; They do not supply any way to search an XML file; and they consume a lot of memory because they need to load every part of the file required right from the start. XDBM overcomes all of these problems for software developers through its revolutionary new database design."

  • [January 12, 2000] "Bristol Technology Announces eXactML, The First of Its New Line of Products Supporting the Infrastructure of eBusiness. Developers Can Now Efficiently XML-Enable C++ Applications." - "Bristol Technology Inc. today announced eXactML, a new software product that allows software developers to dramatically accelerate the implementation of XML in eBusiness applications. eXactML, Bristol's first entry into the eBusiness market space, enables C++ applications to speak XML in minutes rather than days. eXactML simplifies the task of adding XML to applications by generating object-oriented interfaces for reading and writing valid XML content based on any DTD or schema. eXactML drastically reduces the time and expertise needed to support XML, while improving application quality. Key Features: (1) Automatic class generation Provides developers a standard object-oriented way to use XML in their application. (2) Fast and easy to use Enables developers to meet deadlines and control costs by supporting many or frequently changing DTDs/schemas, while not requiring developer expertise in XML. (3) DTD and schema support Supports both current and emerging standards for XML structure definitions. Enables you to generate a schema based on your DTD. (4) Microsoft Visual Studio integration Familiar interface increases productivity. Does not require changes to existing build structure. (5) Automatic validation Results in enhanced application quality while reducing the level of effort required for testing. 6) Multi-platform support Enables you to use the same generated classes on UNIX and Linux platforms, or choose tight MFC integration for Windows-only applications."

  • [January 12, 2000] "Q4i.com to Integrate Information Architects' Metaphoria into BrokerIQ Internet Financial Suite. XML-based Metaphoria to Aggregate Web Content into the "look and feel" of Q4i.com's BrokerIQ environment." - "Information Architects today announced it has been selected by Q4i.com, to integrate its XML-based Metaphoria aggregation and syndication solutions into Q4i's BrokerIQ Internet Financial Suite. The Dallas, Texas based Q4i.com is a leading provider of advanced information solutions to the financial services industry. With its flagship product, BrokerIQ, professional brokers and their firms have a complete broker management system at their fingertips. The system offers real-time account portfolio management, comprehensive compliance reporting and real-time order entry from the broker's desktop. By integrating Information Architects' Metaphoria Aggregation Server into BrokerIQ, Q4i.com will enhance its ability to offer a variety of news, research and financial information, along with a wide range of investment products and trading processes, through a single terminal. Metaphoria's aggregation technology collects information from multiple Q4i.com partner sites, and integrates the content and functionality into the BrokerIQ environment."

  • [January 12, 2000] "XML Support Soars as OASIS Sees Largest Sponsorship Growth in Its History. Aerospatiale, Bowstreet, Cohesia, eCredit.com, InformIT, JetForm, NII Enterprise Promotion Association, ProNet Technology Partners and StreamServe Join International XML Consortium." - "OASIS, the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards, welcomed a record number of new sponsor members. Organizations from Europe, North America and Asia joined in support of the international non-profit consortium dedicated to the application of XML. New sponsors include Aerospatiale, Bowstreet, Cohesia, eCredit.com, InformIT, JetForm, NII Enterprise Promotion Association, ProNet Technology Partners and StreamServe. 'It is clear the 'wait-and-see' attitude toward XML is long gone. Companies are moving forward with real solutions and a strong commitment to keeping the standard open and accessible', said Laura Walker, executive director of OASIS. 'As this surge of new sponsors indicates, OASIS membership encompasses all the major XML players -- users, vendors and consultants alike. We are especially excited to welcome our first member based in Taiwan, NII Enterprise Promotion Association. We look forward to the contributions all our new sponsors will make to the OASIS technical work and applaud their support of XML interoperability.' The new sponsors will advance the work of OASIS including the XML Registry and Repository, XML Conformance, DocBook, XML.org - the industry portal for XML, and ebXML - the Electronic Business XML Initiative cosponsored by OASIS and UN/CEFACT."

  • [January 11, 2000] "CrossWorlds Expands E-Business Capabilities: Announces XML Support, Joins RosettaNet. CrossWorlds Leverages XML for Process-Level Integration Among Supply Chain Partners and Supports RosettaNet Standard for High Technology Market." - "CrossWorlds Software, Inc., a leading provider of integration software for e-business and the enterprise, today announced product support for eXtensible Markup Language (XML). Concurrently, the company announced its membership and support for RosettaNet, an independent consortium dedicated to developing and deploying industry standards for enabling eBusiness interoperability. With its XML-compliant eBusiness product, development tools and infrastructure, CrossWorlds will enable companies to conduct eBusiness transactions in RosettaNet formats. This announcement further demonstrates CrossWorlds' capabilities in providing a robust eBusiness integration solution. CrossWorlds is offering an XML Connector, a pre-defined and extensible cross-application interface designed specifically for handling XML-based messages. The Connector allows for the integration of XML data to multiple legacy and packaged front-office, back-office and supply chain applications including Baan, Clarify, Manugistics, Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP, Siebel, Trilogy and Vantive via CrossWorlds hub-and-spoke architecture. The XML Connector is tightly integrated with CrossWorlds' business process modeling capabilities and Collaboration modules."

  • [January 11, 2000] "Sequoia XML Portal Server Compliant With Microsoft BizTalk 1.0 Specification. Sequoia Software Supports BizTalk Framework for Using XML Messages to Streamline Interoperability Between Disparate Information Systems." - "Sequoia Software Corporation, a leading provider of interactive enterprise information portals (EIPs), today announced its support for Microsoft's BizTalk Framework, and that its application for deploying interactive EIPs, Sequoia XML Portal Server (XPS), is compliant with the BizTalk 1.0 specification. BizTalk compliance provides benefits to systems administrators integrating Sequoia's XPS with their legacy systems by reducing the effort required to transport information between disparate systems. With the BizTalk framework in place, administrators are able to more easily connect their various applications within XPS. BizTalk speeds data exchange by aiding in the transportation of data from legacy systems to XPS. At the same time, it reduces the time and complexity involved in building software connectors linking legacy systems and XPS... Sequoia XPS 2.0 incorporates a unique data exchange interface that allows XPS to communicate with external systems through XML messages. The new interface provides two major benefits; first, it streamlines the data transformation process to and from the portal, thus making it easier to deliver more specific information to end-users. Secondly, because it facilitates real-time connectivity, it enhances the Sequoia XML Portal Server interactive functionality, specifically its ability to push user input back to legacy systems."

  • [January 07, 2000] "Object Design's XML-Based eXcelon Application Platform Powers Flashline.com's Component Registry. Pioneering developer tool utilizes the power and strength of the industry's premier XML-based application platform for dynamic data exchange." - "Object Design, Inc., a global provider of innovative eBusiness products and solutions, today announced that its eXcelon dynamic application platform is the power behind Flashline.com's recently launched Component Registry, the industry's first open XML-based resource for component documentation. With eXcelon at its core, Component Registry offers a universal XML format for component vendors and developers to document and exchange component information, eliminate long delays in development time and increase cost savings. Flashline's Component Registry (www.componentregistry.com) is the first non-commercial, open resource to provide critical component documentation for the industry's large and growing collection of JavaBeans, Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs), and COM software components. By providing developers with an open environment where all the component information is cataloged on one site, IT professionals can reduce development time and speed time-to-market for their component-based development projects."

  • [January 05, 2000] "Harbinger Customers Embracing XML and the Internet for Business-to-Business E-Commerce. 5000th Customer Adds XML Capabilities During 4Q99." - "Harbinger Corporation, a worldwide supplier of electronic commerce software, services and solutions, announced today that its customers are adopting eXtensible Markup Language (XML) and Internet e-commerce technologies at a record pace. More than 40 percent of the company's desktop customers moved to XML-enabled technologies during 1999. XML is an emerging data standard that greatly facilitates the exchange of e-commerce transactions over the Internet and promises to further accelerate the widespread adoption of business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce. Harbinger registered its 5,000th XML customer in December, when ABSCOA Industries, a distributor of critical parts to the aerospace industry, signed up for service on the company's B2B e-commerce portal, harbinger.net. The benefits of converting to Harbinger's new e-commerce technologies are extensive, including the capability of performing real-time transactions and having access to a host of free and low-cost services available through harbinger.net, such as 24 by 7 online customer care, instant downloadable software for new releases, enhancements and upgrades, and free access to Harbinger's online e-commerce resource center. Harbinger expects the rate of conversion to B2B XML and Internet technologies to continue to rise at a steady pace, and industry analysts tend to agree. The latest estimates in a study from Reuters project B2B e-commerce to rise an estimated 33 percent by 2003, to $2.8 trillion in value, equaling one-quarter of all corporate purchasing, according to the Boston Consulting Group."

  • [January 05, 2000] "Eric Garcia of Sabre Joins OASIS Board of Directors." - "OASIS, the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards, welcomed Eric Garcia to the Consortium's board of directors. Garcia is vice president of planning and communications in the strategic architecture department for Sabre, the IT leader for the travel and transportation industries. Working with fellow board members, Bill Smith (Sun Microsystems), Jon Parsons (Xyvision Enterprise Solutions), Alan Hester (Xerox), Robert S. Sutor (IBM), Norbert H. Mikula (DataChannel), Mary McRae (DMSi) and Simon Nicholson (Sun Microsystems), Garcia will provide leadership for OASIS work on interoperability including XML.org and ebXML. At Sabre, Garcia is responsible for planning the company's technology strategy and communicating the strategy both internally and externally to current and prospective customers. His responsibilities also include aligning the company's technology and business strategies and coordinating the organizational development and process management. Prior to Sabre, Garcia was a senior consultant of operations research for American Airlines Decision Technologies. Garcia holds a master's degree in business administration in operations management and quantitative methods from Syracuse University and a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of the Philippines."

  • [January 05, 2000] "uBid.com Hosts World's Largest XML-Based E-Commerce Site On Microsoft Technology. uBid and Microsoft Announce Strategic Technology Alliance." - uBid.com, one of the nation's leading online auction and e-commerce sites, today announced that uBid's adoption of XML technology based on the Microsoft Windows DNA platform has created the world's largest Extensible Markup Language (XML)-based online and e-commerce installation site. Currently, the uBid.com site processes the most transactions utilizing XML technology of any site in the world. uBid.com is the highest reaching e-commerce site that is 100% dedicated to XML based on November's Media Metrix report. In order to enhance performance of its site, uBid recently redesigned its bidding engine to utilize Microsoft-based components such as Microsoft Message Queue Server (MSMQ), Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS) technology and COM. All business components run in a Microsoft transaction server environment, employing MSMQ services for inter-component messaging, that reduces the resource utilization of the database. By redesigning the website in XML, uBid.com now offers a protocol that allows more integrated communications between uBid.com and its vendors while simultaneously increasing ease of use and site speed for its customers. The new uBid.com system design not only addresses the needs of customers today but more importantly, their future needs. Going forward, the system will be able to handle more traffic and transactions for a minimal cost. Also, the new technology introduces the concept of multiple 'auction engines.' This means the system can support one or more auction engines from multiple sites. uBid believes that its system design is one of the most easily scalable auctions systems in the world utilizing Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 and MSMQ services in a Microsoft Transaction Server Environment."

  • [January 05, 2000] "DataChannel Announces Solutions Series 2000: Road Rules Intranets into E-Business. XML and EIP Industry Leader Launches 11-City Seminar Tour." - "DataChannel, Inc., a leader in XML-based Enterprise Information Portal (EIP) Solutions, today announced the first of its Solutions Series 2000 seminars. The first seminar series, Road Rules Intranets into E-business, will be held in 11 cities across the United States beginning on February 17, 2000, in Seattle. The series will define a roadmap to meet the challenges of e-business and help you understand how and why an XML-based EIP is the launching point for building successful e-business initiatives. The first in a series of multi-city seminars, Road Rules Intranets into E-Business, a DataChannel Solutions Series, will focus on defining a roadmap for the creation of open-standards based EIP solutions. Proprietary, one-size fits all portal packages do not provide a viable long-term platform that delivers enterprise-wide information access and publishing for all points distribution. The Road Rules session will educate the attendees about how DataChannel designs and builds custom EIP solutions that provide universal, dynamic access to all enterprise information and presents it in a single unified view an XML-based EIP."

  • [January 04, 2000] "Cisco Joins UPnP Forum. Cisco to Incorporate Industry Standards into Home Networking Products." - "Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced its membership in the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Forum, an industry group focused on enabling the emergence of easily connected Internet devices in home networks. This industry group will define specifications that utilize the industry-standard Extensible Markup Language (XML). These specifications will compliment the work being done in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Zero Configuration Working Group by Cisco and other industry leaders..." See "Universal Plug and Play Forum."

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