Glossary: XML

What is XML?

The Extensible Markup Language (XML) is the universal format for structured documents and data on the Web. XML holds the promise of becoming a standardized mechanism for the exchange of data as well as documents. For example, XML may become a way for databases from different vendors to exchange information across the Internet.

By separating structure and content from presentation, the same XML source document can be written once, then displayed in a variety of ways: on a computer monitor, within a cellular-phone display, translated into voice on a device for the blind, and so forth. It will work on any communications devices that might be developed; an XML document can thus outlive the particular authoring and display technologies available when it was written.

Web-based reporting of iSeries data is greatly enhanced when that data is wrapped in XML. Since the XML report can be delivered to any type of device, remote staff can easily access information directly from their PDA devices, cellular phones, or laptops.

Provides self-serve access to decision-making data including after-hours and remote access.

Improved performance and efficiency with accurate information, regardless of the IT backlog or time of day.

Supports functional Web features such as graphics and links, so your Web reports provide more functionality than your existing green-screen reports.

Runs and distributes reports automatically to deliver information more quickly and to free your IT staff to work on other projects.