| 1.8 XML and Mainframes Most of the current discussion and development related to XML involves
off-mainframe platforms and solutions that do not directly address the reali-ties of
mainframes and large IT shop operations. Perhaps more importantly, the credibility of the
technology has not been established in the minds of the key people who have to get the
work out every day. Yet, it is precisely those shops that have the greatest need for the
A2A and B2B inte-gration capabilities provided by XML technology. In future articles, we
will seek to bridge the gap between the XML developers and the mainframers. We will
explore practical strategies to embrace XML, even for shops that continue to support older
technologies but would benefit from selective modernization. We will discuss XML technical
details from a mainframe point of view, including XML schema development recommen-dations
to mirror mainframe databases. And, we will discuss how to implement second generation,
native XML implementations, including integration into COBOL programs and direct interface
between workstation browsers and mainframe programs.
Earlier versions of this paper appeared in the
May, 2000 issue of the Cutter IT Journal, and the September - October, 2000 issues
of eAJ Journal. Permission is granted for reproduction and distribution of this
document provided it is complete, unmodified, and retains all identification including
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