XML upgrade

Why XML

XML enables different use of information over the current HTML that was used to create this website. HTML is designed to display information; whereas XML (eXtensible Markup Language) enables the defining and storing of data (Fawcett, Ayers & Quin, 2012, p. 3). Unlike HTML, which is restricted to set descriptors, XML ‘allow[s] the definition of new tags of markup’ because it is a standard for creating languages, any tags can be invented as long as they are defined (Felke-Morris, 2013, p. 25). Using XML can improve our handling and sharing of data such as saving contact and service details independent of particular programs (Hunter & Fawcett, 2007, p. 11; W3Schools, 2013).

How it will be implemented

The changes envisioned need expertise. We will be hiring an XML consultant to set up the XML files and stylesheet (Fawcett et al., 2012, p. 9). We expect to hire the XML consultant at the beginning of July for an initial three month contract to coordinate the writing and setting up of the documents and programs we will be using.

What sections of the site will be affected

The changes will be visible to clients when using our Contact us page as it will include a form. The form will enable clients to fill in their details and desired services; which is then converted to XML data. The form will make it easier for clients to select particular services. Using XML will assist us to better serve our clients to give you fair quotes and be able to use the data to understand our clients gardening needs.

Advantages

Supports different display devices (Felke-Morris, 2013, p. 25). This will make it easier to share the same content on different platforms, such as mobile web browsers (Fawcett et al., 2012, p. 14; W3Schools, 2013).
XML can be written in any language as XML parsers (programs to read XML) can read any language; therefore as the business expands to Gnomus Island, minimal changes need to be made to add Gnomish language support (Fawcett et al., 2012, p. 15).
Universal access because the data is stored as text that any parser program can read XML (Hunter & Fawcett, 2007, p. 12).
Separate the data from presentation. XML reduces bandwidth as only sharing the data and not the presentation information (Fawcett et al., 2012, p.10).
Can transfer the XML data to another program without losing data or modifying the code (Fawcett et al., 2012, p. 10; W3Schools, 2013).

Disadvantages

Need expertise to set up because XML must ‘adhere to the syntax rules of the language’ or the data cannot be processed (Felke-Morris, 2013, p. 25).
XML markup is larger than plain text version (Fawcett et al., 2012, p. 8). This will increase our overheads as we need to increase web hosting bandwidth.

References

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

Fawcett, J., Ayers, D. & Quin, R. E. (2012). Beginning XML (5th ed.). Somerset: Wiley. Retrieved from eBrary.

W3Schools. (2013) How can XML be used?. Retrieved 21 May 2013 from http://www.w3schools.com/xml/xml_usedfor.asp.