Network Computingwww.networkcomputing.com

In a testimony to the versatility and power of XML, new implementations abound. Some of the more recent entries are:

<< MathML 2.0 (www.w3.org/TR/MathML2/): Not only does the Mathematical Markup Language describe mathematical notation, it captures both the structure and the content of mathematical notation. While legible by people in theory, it is really meant for use in software packages; for example, tools such as equation editors will be able to output MathML documents based on what users input through graphical interfaces.

<< SOAP (msdn.microsoft.com/xml/general/soapspec.asp): Microsoft's Simple Object Access Protocol is a lightweight protocol meant for the exchange of information in decentralized environments. If you are familiar with EDI protocols, such as HL7 (Health Level 7), you will immediately relate to SOAP. The main difference between SOAP and EDI protocols is that SOAP is XML-based. The specification consists of three parts: an envelope that defines the contents of the message being exchanged, encoding rules for the different data types, and a convention for representing remote procedure calls and responses. Like MathML, this protocol is not meant for use by nonprogrammers. HTTP is now the only binding defined for use with SOAP. However, this is bound to change as SOAP's usage increases.

<< XForms (www.w3.org/TR/xforms/): Hot off the press, XForms just became a recommendation. Many developers suffer because of the shortcomings of HTML forms, so this standard is a welcome addition. Besides alleviating many of the shortcomings found in existing HTML forms, the XForms specification separates the form's purpose from the form's user interface and presentation. This is important because applications are developed for software clients other than the familiar desktop browser -- for example, wireless devices and voice browsers. The new XForms specification defines model items, such as form controls, and their interrelationships, allowing for defining limits and restrictions on the controls' content. Autofilling and prefilling of controls are now possible, and the specification even offers the ability to suspend and resume the completion of a form.