Welcome to

Dear Internet Professional:

Today it is clear that we are in the midst of a revolution that means a fundamental shift in the way we communicate, publish, and do business. According to Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the Web, we are celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. And despite all the changes the Web has made in our daily lives, the development of a host of new information technology standards means that the Web is only just now on the verge of the changes that are yet to come. XML and the XML family of standards are enabling business on the Web in new and exciting ways. GCA, in keeping with these trends, is changing as well. This conference is but one example of the ways GCA is entering "Web World."

This year's major fall conference, XML '99 is designed for a whole new generation of GCA members and conference attendees. Our focus is on the Web, and in particular how new XML-based technologies are enabling business models for the millennium. This year we are offering a wide variety of tracks to meet the needs of every attendee. XML '99 tracks include:

• XML Applications
• Core Standards
• eBusiness
• Publishing with XML
• Technical
• NewComer
• XML Vocabularies
• Content/Data Management
• Web Graphics
• XML Management

In addition to our conference tracks, we are proud to offer tutorials designed for newcomers, management, and Web developers. This is an opportunity for you to catch up with the latest developments in the quickly morphing world of the Web. XML '99 provides updates on the latest standards and activities of the World Wide Web Consortium, GCA, OASIS and BizTalk.Org. We have assembled outstanding keynote presentations from leading users of new Web technologies, as well as from technology vendors. For those of you exploring cutting-edge Web tools, our XML exposition is just the place for you to gain an understanding of what's new on the market. And the XML '99 Analyst Panel is designed to provide an opportunity for the industry's leading analysts to answer your questions about XML and the future of doing business on the Web.

This year, following the close of XML '99, we are offering an additional special interest focus day. On December 9th, you can register to learn more about the new ICE standard (Information and Content Exchange), XML for Printers, or Web-4-All (a day focusing on Web accessibility).

GCA would like to thank our Sponsor companies for helping us bring XML '99 to you. Our sponsors include eidon GmbH, IBM Corporation, Inso Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Object Design, Reed Technology and Information Services, Sequoia Software, Sun Microsystems, webMethods, Inc., and XML.org. The event is also co-sponsored by the e-content company. GCA's mission is to provide in-depth education, future insights, and practical know-how. We have all worked hard to ensure that XML '99 is an exciting and informative event. Here's to a rewarding conference experience. May you discover and enjoy!

Dianne Kennedy
Conference Chair