XML and Web Services Unleashed

ISBN: 0-672-32341-9

Author: Ron Schmelzer, et al.

Ron Schmelzer is the founder and senior analyst fro ZapThink, an XML-focused analyst group and writes for a number of periodicals in the XML and computer space. Schmelzer was named "Geek of the Week" by Internet Magazine. Schmelzer headed the writing team that contributed to this title. Other contributors included Travis Vandersypen, Jason Bloomberg, Madhu Siddalingaiah, Michael Qualls, Sam Hunting, Chad Darby, David Houlding, and Dianne Kennedy.

Pages:

1132 pages

Publisher:

Sams Publishing

Intended Audience:

This title is intended for intermediate to advanced XML developers and implementers. It is assumed that readers already have some understanding of XML and of the Internet. This title is intended to provide these users with details about the intricacies of XML that is not provided by an introductory text. Each chapter focuses on detailed explanations of one facet of XML or XML implementation technology.

Summary:

XML and Web Services Unleashed is organized into four parts. Although this text is meant to serve as a reference and implementation guide, it is organized so that one can read it from front to back. Fundamental concepts are covered first, followed by more detailed and focused chapters that delve into specific implementation technologies.

The first part of XML and Web Services Unleashed is titled the "Essentials of XML." This part of the book is critical reading because it provides the foundation for all other chapters in the book. So, no matter which chapter of the book is of particular interest to the reader, this first part of the book is a must read! In this part of the book, authors focus on the basics of XML and closely related standards. So, for example, both XML DTDs and XML Schemas (including SOX, DCD and RELAX NG) are highlighted here. XML validation technologies are introduced. Supporting XML technologies including XLink, XPath, XPointer are discussed here as well.

The second part of XML and Web Services Unleashed focuses on the technologies and techniques for Building XML-based Applications. In this section the techniques to manipulate XML are introduced. Both the DOM and SAX are introduced as APIs for XML. The advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed so that the reader can make good decisions about when to use each technology. Part II also introduces the techniques for XML transformations. The text is designed to help new users get started with XSLT to transform data for business to business communications. This part of the book also provides an introduction to the newer part of the Extensible Stylesheet specification, XSL-FO (for formatting XML). An example, using XSLT, Java servlets and XSL-FO with the Apache FOP engine is ideal to help new XML implementers get started with these technologies.

Other chapters in Building XML-based Applications. include a focus on using XML with databases, options for formatting XML for the Web including both CSS and XHTML, an introduction to Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) as well as an introduction to XML and Web Content Management. In Chapter 13, both metadata and content syndication are introduced. IDEAlliance's ICE and PRISM specifications are highlighted.

The concluding chapters of Building XML-based Applications focus on XML and Web Services. In Chapter 14, Web Services are introduced from a business point-of-view. Then an architectural view of Web Services is presented. Chapter 15 focuses on SOAP and the role it plays in implementing a Web Services application. Chapter 16 focuses on the WSDL and UDDI, specifications that provide critical building blocks for Web Services. Chapters 17-18 provide implementation strategies for the Microsoft .NET Web Services platform.

Part III of XML and Web Services Unleashed is titled "Applied XML." Here the authors focus on the ways that XML can be used in specific scenarios. This part begins with a survey of XML application standards and specifications. Then case studies about the use of XML in e-business systems, voice applications and in vertical industries such as health care, finance, and manufacturing are presented.

Part IV of this book focuses on new directions that XML is taking. Here the reader is introduced to the idea of the Semantic Web that is being actively pursued by W3C at this time. This part of the book provides a good introduction to W3C's Resource Description Framework (RDF) and the leading-edge efforts of the Semantic Web Activity.

Recommendation:

Ron Schmelzer is not only an author, but a leading XML analyst. As such, he constantly studies the industry to stay on top of the latest technologies and trends. XML and Web Services Unleashed is a testament to Schmelzer's industry knowledge. This book provides a wealth of practical information about XML and the supporting standards and technologies that an XML developer will need. Anything that is currently "hot" is found between these covers. Critical new content about Web Services, SOAP, WDSL UDDI and .NET helps XML users get up to speed with these new technologies. Good coverage of XSL-FO, also hard to come by at this date, is provided as well. If you already have some XML titles from 1999 or even 2001, this book will provide a critical update that you need to stay on top. An if you are new to developing XML applications, this title provides an excellent starting point.

Dianne Kennedy, Editor XML Files