Future upgrade plan using XML
XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is a markup language or code like HTML, however it is designed to carry data rather than display data (w3schools.com, 2013). In terms of web design the use of XML is the way of the future where all applications will exchange data using XML. This website will be upgraded using XML as it will ensure that data can be readily shared between applications and read more easily by incompatible applications (w3schools.com, 2013). From a users perspective it means that the website and its data can be accessed by a variety of devices.
This upgrade will be implemented progressively and will affect the sections of the website where data is stored and transported such as customers’ information and transactions. XML will not replace HTML . XML is designed to carry information whereas HTML is still required to display information (w3schools.com, 2013).
Advantages of upgrading using XML include:
- it uses ordinary language not computer language such that it can be understood by most people
- is compatible with all platforms
- allows developers to create their own tags which make sense
- simplifies and allows efficient sharing of information (e.g. between suppliers)
- ensures data is more accessible to users with disabilities as it can read by ‘reading machines’ such as handheld computers, voice machines and news feeds (w3schools.com, 2013)
- it makes upgrading to a new platform, application or browser easier and less time consuming because it does not need to be converted.
Disadvantages of upgrading using XML include:
- XML is not standardised as tags are defined by the developer (Borck, 2000)
- XML is dependent on HTML
- it is expensive and time consuming as all tags must be defined by the developer
- it may compromise data security particularly when shared (Borck, 2000)
- it is more vulnerable to hacking in that it explains too much about the data it represents and can be too easily understood (Russell, 2002).
References
Borck, J.R. (2000). Extend your reach with XML, EDI. Infoworld, 22(43), 44. Retrieved 30 May 2013 from Ebsco database.
Russell, K. (2002). XML’s dirty secret. Computerworld, 36(22), 55. Retrieved 30 May 2013 from Ebsco database.
w3schools.com. (2013). How to use XML. Retrieved 30 May 2013 from http://www.w3schools.com/xml/xml_usedfor.asp
|