As we wind out the year here I'd like to share some thoughts on progress made and next steps ahead.
My primary focus this year has been ebXML. Landmark achievements abound. The first global initiative on eBusiness with XML, and the first to show that the internet can deliver rapid standards development efforts. The level and quality of participation was simply superb. This model has allowed OASIS to grow and foster many allied XML technology initiatives, including RELAX schema. While the W3C has issued 15 recommendations this year, and grown to 70 full time staff on three continents, creating an extended XML infrastructure. And now ebXML itself is moving into major implementations for 2002. Looking at the vendors big and small who have already committed to products, and including some already shipping products. http://www.ebxml.org/implementations/index.htm This is developing into a powerhouse list, and shows that despite some slow steps into the second phase work on the UN/CEFACT side, the overall fundamental premise on which ebXML is founded will stay the course. There are also two ebXML books published with more coming - ( http://www.ebxmlbooks.com for details ). The next ebXML phase 2 work is scheduled for February around the DISA X12 meeting in Seattle - ( details from http://www.eBTWG.org ). Business needs reliable, consistent and open standards based tools that deliver ROI that does not change based on a technology rollercoaster. While new technology developments offer sex appeal and gosh wow, we have to temper this with delivering consistent global toolsets first. This may be simple and obvious but then that is the difference between solid business systems and just technology for technologies sake. The proof of this is the number of industry groups now adopting ebXML, including OAG, RosettaNet, GCI, AIAG, and the list goes on. These are the power groups that made EDI successful. They will also grow into prominent roles in guiding ebXML forward. We now have within our grasp the means to deliver on not just the technology and business facilitation, but also to have the ebXML model over time to extend out and enable services that will truely help better the human condition worldwide. I look forward to the contributions we can all make in marshalling the 'Lego bricks' to reach for these goals. Hope everyone has an enjoyable and happy holiday season and look forward to delivering on the promise in 2002 that we've long foreseen for XML/edi and its offspring - ebXML. Best wishes, DW. ------ XML/edi Group Discussion List ------ Homepage = http://www.XMLedi-Group.org Unsubscribe = send email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Leave the subject and body of the message blank Questions/requests: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To receive only one message per day (digest format) send the following message to [EMAIL PROTECTED], (leave the subject line blank) digest xmledi-group your-email-address To join the XML/edi Group complete the form located at: http://www.xmledi-group.org/xmledigroup/mail1.htm
