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XML Upgrade

Our website is currently transitioning to eXtensible Markup Language (XML), a text-based syntax designed to describe, deliver and exchange structured information (Felke- Morris, 2013, p. 16). It extends Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) by separating data from presentation (Felke-Morris, 2013, p. 16). Users can create their own tags. Hundreds of individual HTML files may be replaced by dozens of XML and XSL files which reduces maintenance (Center for Technology in Government, 2012, Implementing XML section, para. 7).

XML can deliver content that is independent of device, software or presentation format (Kasdorf, 2008, p. 12). It will be easier for us to update our content and keep you abreast of any changes to our walks. Also it helps keeps our costs down and the savings will be passed on to you. Since XML is device independent you will be able to view our website on your mobile with ease. Those with a disability may listen to the content on all types of reading machines.

We will be implementing XML in stages, focussing on areas that are less efficient and that have similar formatting or repetitive content (Center for Technology in Government, 2012, Implementing XML in Your Website Environment section, para. 2). The ‘Our Walks’ page will be updated first. Disruptions will be minimal. If you do have difficulty in using the website during this period please email us and we will respond within one working day.

Not all web servers automatically process XML files to produce HTML files for the user (Center for Technology in Government, 2012, Implementing XML section, para. 8). We shall implement Apache Cocoon, an XML framework, to do this.

There are many exaggerated claims about what XML can do so please be aware that it defines structure only, not semantics (Wilde & Glushko, 2008, p. 40, 45).



References


Center for Technology in Government. (2012). Using XML for website management: Getting started guide. Retrieved 27 April, 2013, from http://www.ctg.albany.edu/publications/guides/xml_getting_started?chapter=5

Felke-Morris, T. A. (2013). Web development & design foundations with HTML5 (6th ed.). New York: Pearson.

Kasdorf, B. (2008). The XML advantage: Bill Kasdorf argues that XML enables digital content to provide the flexibility and findability today's users need. netconnect, 133(7), 12-15.

Wilde, E., & Glushko, R. J. (2008). XML Fever. Communications of the ACM, 51(7), 40-46. doi: 10.1145/1364782.1364795