At 08:10 PM 2/5/00 , you wrote: >1) XML Servers - what do they do, and how good are they, and how do they fit >in compared to building a database back-end (e.g. mySQL) combined with >generating XML tags on the fly? My research to date on this has been >fruitless. (The documents are all the same structure - i.e. the same DTD). I assume that by XML servers, you refer to XML application servers. I'd say it's the old story of make vs buy. If you build something on a db back-end, well you build it, maintain it and upgrade as your needs evolve. If you buy an app server then you should save on development, maintenance and, hopefully, the vendor will evolve the product so that it meets new needs as they arise. Obviously, it's the same old criterias: it looks cheaper to make at first and saves the headache of selecting a product (not to mention you feel comfortable it will meet your needs). When delivered you find that the actual cost is 3 times your original estimate and that you had misunderstood your needs so that, even though the final software follows the specs, it's not exactly what you need. Conversely, when you buy you find that 50% was gross exageration by the sales team and that 30% is still vapourware. Of course none of the vendors mentioned the bugs. I am still looking for a safe rule that will allow me decide when to make and what to buy. There are some cases where make is the obvious choice and some cases where buy is the only solution but, unfortunately, there are many gray cases as well. --ben Beno�t Marchal, Pineapplesoft As e-commerce Grows, Understanding XML Becomes a Key Job Skill XML by Example / $24.99 / ISBN 0-7897-2242-9 / www.worth-it.com ========================================== XML/EDI Group members-only discussion list Homepage = http://www.xmledi.com Brought to you by: Online Technologies Corporation Home of BizServe - www.bizserve.com TO UNSUBSCRIBE: Send email to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Leave the subject blank, and In the body of the message, enter ONLY: unsubscribe Questions/requests should be sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To join the XML/EDI Group complete the form located at: http://www.geocities.com/WallStreet/Floor/5815/mail1.htm
