[XML-SIG] XML serialization / marshalling via DTD

[george willis]

First off, thanks for taking time to respond Paul.  I have many of your
articles (groves) and it is an honor to converse with you.

Your points are well taken.  The concerns you express are the same as those
experienced in java serialization whether XML or not, and for that matter,
serialization in general.

Transport protocols must become standard when utilized for inter-enterprise
communications where the protocol becomes the serialized interface or API. 
APIs must be well thought out and become stable quickly if independant code
is to be written that supports the interface.

But there are many cases where these concerns can be relaxed.  Cases that
come to mind are where the interface is not ready for widespread use. 
Serailization gives us a quick way to "sculpt" the transport protocol during
development.  As the functionality of the system and its visionary uses fall
into place, the resulting protocol can be frozen, providing an interface
where neccessary.

Also, where code can be shared, the api to the classes become the interface,
and the transport becomes ubiquitous for a season.  Again, as you have
warned us, be prepared to freeze it if independant code will tap into the
trasport protocol.

My main goal is to take XML-Schema for invoices, P.O.s etc. and deserialize
them into an object model.  Since there is no industry agreement on what a
P.O. looks like in XML, (i.e. no standard interface), a CASE tool to render
the object classes and instances would be of great aid.  Also, where no
XML-Schema existed, one could be developed and refined during the system
prototype, and then submitted as a good starting point.  It is always better
to have a protocol from a working system to start with -- it shows a certain
due diligence.

Again, your points are well taken, and very appropriate.  Thank you for all
the work you have done that others are building on.

George Willis
gwillis@mail.com
voice: (706)206-0091
  fax: (240)337-8593 
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