Summary

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is an acronym that has lately become very familiar to us. XML is the key enabler in making computer applications understand each other. This is possible because XML is a flexible metalanguage that can be used to describe and exchange data in many application areas. The most important areas are content management and supply chain applications. Other areas in which XML-based content management is already being applied are document management, electronic catalogues and technical documentation, where the earlier SGML (Standard Generalised Markup Language) technology is also used. Newspapers - like many other companies - have started to apply XML in managing content. Newspapers are one of the most advanced industries in XML-based content management, although we still are at the very beginning. The number of editorial systems that support both print and electronic publishing is constantly increasing. When properly used, these new tools make the editorial process more efficient. With help of XML technologies, multiple media publishing is possible at low extra cost. XML is also applicable in archiving content, because it is an open, application-independent format. XML enables setting up electronic processes between business parties, because it makes data interchange between computers easier than before. Data interchange between companies becomes faster and more reliable, since time-consuming and error-prone retyping is not needed. Because XML-based messages can be transmitted over the internet, even small market players can benefit from it. XML technologies can also be used in application integration within one company. Many industries are currently developing their own XML-based languages, also known as XML vocabularies. More and more XML vocabularies are being developed also for newspapers.