Summary

XML remains one of the most recommended technologies for standards-based commercial software development. Not only does XML provide an overabundance of "step-saving" features for designing real-world rich-media management software applications, it offers best-in-class interoperability amongst all the data interchange standards available.

Given the advent of rich-media in the rapidly converging industries of broadcasting, entertainment and computers, XML has uniquely positioned itself as the "data glue" in the midst of a maze of incompatible media/data formats.

Higher is the degree of incompatibility and diversity of digital mediums in near future, greater will be the value realized from the return on investment (ROI) of having implemented systems using XML as the data interchange protocol.

Coupled with the endorsements of wired as well as the wireless world, and the proven track record of aiding flexible, modular system development lifecycles, XML remains one of the favorite open technologies for the brave new world of rich media.