XML.org and BizTalk.org Make Peace?

During XML Europe, a session on Registries and Repositories highlighted the work of two organizations, XML.org and BizTalk.org.  In the past viewed as competitors, these two organizations have decided to put aside their differences (at least publicly) and declare that they are not, in fact, competitors, but rather compliment one another!

The session, chaired by yours truly, began with an introduction to the idea of repositories and registries presented by Simon Nicolson (Sun MicroSystems) representing OASIS.  According to Simon, The XML.org Registry developers work with the OASIS Registry & Repository Technical Committee to define a specification for a global network of repositories. This specification is intended to allow interoperable registries to be created for use within industry organizations, communities and corporations.

Simon was followed on the program by Una Kearns, Documentum, also representing OASIS.  Una provided an overview of the structure of the XML.org repository, currently under construction, and provided insights into the launch of the repository.  According to Una, XML.org is an open registry and repository for XML specifications and vocabularies. Designed to foster collaboration and enhance communication within industries.

David Turner, representing Microsoft and BizTalk.org then provided information about the BizTalk repository.  Unlike the work of OASIS, BizTalk.org had the purpose of immediately establishing a repository and support for the rapid development, sharing, and deployment of XML Schemas.  David explained that BizTalk is an industry initiative started by Microsoft and supported by a wide range of organizations, from technology vendors like SAP and CommerceOne to technology users like Boeing and BP/Amoco. BizTalk is not a standards body. Instead, we are a community of standards users, with the goal of driving the rapid, consistent adoption of XML to enable electronic commerce and application integration.

Face to Face

I was curious to see how the features of each repository directly compared and so asked a number of pointed questions to clarify the likenesses and differences.

Repository Contents

OASIS indicated that XML.org would accept anything; ISO, W3C, or ???  Where once declaring that they would accept only ISO or W3C compliant specifications within XML.org, a new openness was expressed by OASIS representatives.  When asked directly if they would accept BizTalk compliant submissions, the answer is now "yes!"  In addition to schemas, DTDs, and even stylesheets may be posted to XML.org.

BizTalk indicated that only BizTalk schemas (currently XDR) are posted within BizTalk.org.  The goal for BizTalk.org is specifically to provide schemas for business purposes in the Microsoft environment.  DTDs will not be accepted.   As soon as the W3C XSD is a recommendation, this will be accepted and an effort will be made to upgrade XDR schemas to XSD schemas within BizTalk.org.  Turner explained that this would easy to do with the tools from Extensibility that can output in the new format with a push of a button.  Turner also emphasized that the same could be done by inputting DTDs into the Extensibility product.  I think he is simplifying the process somewhat, however. As many of us have learned, moving from a DTD to a schema requires human decisions and intervention to determine how to eliminate inclusions/exclusions.

Submission Requirements

BizTalk has rigid requirements for submission.  Having submitted a schema to BizTalk.org myself, I know that requirements are enforced.  BizTalk submission includes the schema as well as documentation, and a sample instance.  In addition, both the schema and the instance must parse to be accepted.

OASIS has no requirements for submitting supporting documentation or use examples.  OASIS did express their hope that submissions would include the materials so that others may easily understand and use whatever is posted in the repository.  But within XML.org, we have no guarantees of the type or quality of such materials.

Quality Assurance:

BizTalk.org parses both the schema that is submitted and the required use example as well.  David Turner admitted that this is minimal quality assurance and BizTalk.org does claim to apply quality standards beyond this point.

XML.org does not have quality assurance in place.  So whatever is submitted to the repository is accepted with no sort of validation required.  Like BizTalk.org, XML.org does not claim to enforce quality standards.

Schema Recommendation

BizTalk.org does not recommend any particular schemas.  They do, however, track schema usage based on the number of downloads of a particular schema.  While this does not accurately represent real life usage, the folks at BizTalk believe that their usage statistics might be helpful to those who want to use the most "popular" schema.

XML.org does not, and will not either recommend schema usage or provide usage statistics to those accessing the repository.  

Status

BizTalk.org has been operational for 1 year now.  This repository has 400+ schemas from 150+ organizations available to those who need to develop or use a schema.

OASIS has just completed the design of their repository and has launched the site for use this month.  Few items are in the repository, however OASIS is hopeful that their repository will quickly become a popular spot for posting DTDs and schemas.

How do Biztalk.org and XML.org compliment one another?

Here the answer from both organizations was pretty much the same.  It turns out that each repository has its own purpose and audience.  The BizTalk.org site is particular to schemas that function with the BizTalk environment.  It was never intended to be a "general purpose" repository, but rather has a specific business function.

XML.org is launching a general purpose repository to service the entire Web community.  They have taken great care to develop a specification for the establishment of the repository and intend it to serve a broad audience.

Final Note:  OASIS just launched XML.org this month.  I plan to visit the site (www.xml.org) routinely to track the number and type of postings.  I encourage you to post your schemas on both XML.org and BizTalk.org if appropriate. Visit each site to see for your self how these repositories stack up!

Dianne Kennedy

Editor, XML Files