xml-dev - Re: XML in the real world... Was "Re: Another look at namespaces"

[David Megginson <david@megginson.com>]

Paul Prescod writes:

 > Part of the zen of SGML (inherited by XML) is that standards exist
 > to protect end users from programmers.

Unfortunately, standards can end up protecting end users from
programmers so effectively that the end users end up with no
off-the-shelf software: that's why it's a good idea for standards
never to go more than one step ahead of current practice.

Remember, the main goals of computer standards are interoperability
and shared development cost.  Many SGML (or CORBA, or what-have-you)
consulting shops rely on exactly the opposite: they make their money
by developing expensive, customized solutions that are only marginally
interoperable, while holding the standards flag over the poor
customer's eyes.


All the best,


David

-- 
David Megginson                 david@megginson.com
           http://www.megginson.com/

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