| 2003 |
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YEAR BOOK |
Letterkenny Institute of Technology
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XML - The Rejuvenator!
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Research being carried out at Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) has explored the capability of XML to rejuvenate dated applications and to access data stored in such 'prehistoric' applications. We are all interested in the Information Age, but are sick of receiving too much information and not receiving relevant information. The application of XML to retrieving data from a variety of sources for amalgamation allows for the filtering of massive amounts of data to select only pertinent information. Indeed, the vast leaps in technology have often caused information stored in legacy databases to be overlooked. This problem is being corrected through the use of XML. The efficient application of XML with additional technologies allows for the retrieval of data from a variety of data sources, including legacy databases, for the purposes of finding specific information. Indeed databases such as Oracle and Access can be accessed and their data combined for search purposes through XML. In this way, data stored in these older databases can be accessed and more efficiently filtered through XML.
This is merely the tip of the iceberg. The application of XML based languages can range from Graphic Information Systems (GISs) to Voice Driven Applications to assist the disabled. GIS applications can be used for navigation of roads, map enhancements, etc. In this, the year that Ireland hosts the Special Olympics, it is especially fitting to look at the role XML can play in enabling the use of computers by the disabled. XML is also finding increased popularity in the provision of timing functions in HTML pages. This enhances web pages by providing the ability to synchronise displays, graphics, sound, etc.
Research at LYIT has focused on the use of XML to rejuvenate legacy systems while outlining the strengths and weaknesses of this technology. Applications developed have proven the capabilities of XML in the aforementioned areas and have highlighted a number of very interesting points. XML Technologies applied include VoiceXML, SMIL (Synchronised Multimedia Integration Language), VML (Vector Markup Language), XML, SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), MathML, etc.
Contact: Ruth Lennon, Computing Department, LYIT;
Tel: 074 64313; E-Mail: [email protected]