Welcome to XTech 2000

The last week in February, XTech 2000 kicks off in the San Jose Convention Center.  The conference is co-hosted by OASIS and xml.com.  The co-chairs for this years event are leading XML pioneers:

• Tim Bray, co-editor XML Version 1.0
• Jon Bosak, Sun Microsystems, former chair of W3C XML Coordination Group
• Dave Meggison, editor of SAX (Simple API for XML)

While XML 2000 will focus on the business applications of XML, XTech  2000 is particularly designed for developers, and provides a forum for learning about the most exciting technical developments in XML. Tim Bray, conference co-chair, commented that "this is the most substantive program of talks about XML technology that has ever been put together."

This year, XTech offers two full days of tutorials.  Tutorial include leading edge topics that developers are anxious to learn about.  Titles include a host of W3C standards such as XSL, XSLT, XLink and XML Schema Languages.  In addition many tutorials focus on XML an programming.  Titles include XML and Java, XML and Python, and Scripting Languages for XML.

New this year are the "Town Hall Meetings."  Instead of chatting with the President or hopefuls for the nomination, we are offered an opportunity to chat directly with the W3C editors that make new technology possible.  This is your opportunity to have your questions/concerns answered and to provide your input to the process.  Town hall meetings will be held evenings on Tuesday February 29 and Wednesday March 1.

This year, co-host, xml.com will be providing on-site conference coverage.  You can follow the show by visiting http://www.xml.com during the week.  Xml.com has also provided an online conference organizer that enables attendees to schedule their week.  See http://www.xml.com/xml/user/xtech.

Gotta rush, I am heading for San Jose!  Hope to see you there!

Dianne Kennedy

Editor, XML Files