SGML Titles are Great for Your XML Library!

Since 1996 the industry has made a transition from SGML to XML. SGML, remember, is the ISO standard (8879) upon which both HTML and XML are based. In 1996 and 1997, many good books on SGML and SGML design and implementation were written and published. These books provided a valuable technical foundation, tips and techniques, as well as a host of case studies. As I look to my reference library, I find that even though many titles say "SGML" and not "XML" they remain quite valuable.

This month, I urge you to consider adding some older, "SGML" titles to your technical reference library. I believe you will find that SGML titles are still valuable additions to your "XML" library!

$GML: The Billion Dollar Secret

ISBN: 1-13-226705-5
Pages: 209
Publisher: Prentice Hall (Goldfarb Series)
Author: Chet Ensign

Let's be honest, right up front. This book is about the "S" word! But as I re-read this title, it might as well be about the "X" word. This book targets management and does a great job of explaining the benefits of $GML from a business perspective. It is not a book about technology, but rather discusses the business benefits to be derived from basing an organizations information strategy upon structured information. Ensign begins the book by discussing the role of document-based information within an enterprise. The value of document-based information, the inefficiencies in the creation of this information, and use of the end use of the information are highlighted in order to show how utilizing $GML can both streamline publishing within an organization and can provide general access to valuable corporate information assets. I think this book is still incredibly useful to those who must decide how to leverage the intellectual capitol of their organizations to meet today's business requirements for information, both within the organization and on the Web.

ABCD . . . *GML

ISBN: -13-226705-5
Pages:
Publisher:
Author: Liora Alschuler

Another book about the "S" word. But for publishers, this book is filled with valuable information that can be applied to the "X" word as well. Liora Alschuler, now writing for XML.com, provided us with this early SGML implementation guide. Alschuler provides a pioneering introduction structured information and a matrix to help you determine whether your organization is ready to take this step. Another valuable component of this book is a series of SGML case studies that represent "the richness and diversity of real-world implementations." Each has a unique approach to SGML and a unique blend of tools.

While the design principles presented in this title are timeless, certainly the chapters that enumerate state-of-the-art tools is not. It is fun to see where we were just a few short years and to read this author's predictions for the future!

Dianne Kennedy, Editor XML Files

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