Description: Exploring the design decisions which are faced by the developers of an XML-based application.
Presenter: Chris Wallace, University of the West of England, Bristol
Session Format: Workshop/Case study
Duration: 75 minutes
Abstract:
Native XML databases provide a radically different approach to data storage from the well-understood Relational database model. This workshop explores the solution space through the study of a project in which the session leader is the lead developer. The project is to provide a knowledge base for a University faculty, combining simple data (staff details) with complex structured data (programme and module specifications). The implementation chosen is the Open Source native XML database Exist (Meier). The project is in its early days but has already highlighted a range of technical, administrative and social opportunities and threats to the success of the project. However, the project has succeeded in delivering a worthwhile system in a short time scale with minimal resources and the approach seems very promising.
The workshop seeks to explore some of the issues raised in the development and more generally in the choice of this technology.
Audience Background:
Basic knowledge of XML and databases.
Benefits:
Attendees will have the opportunities to discuss the wider implications of the move to XML database
Materials:
Background Paper
Web-site of supporting materials
Process:
20 minutes – introduction to the case study and demonstration
10 minutes – brainstorming issues for later group discussion across the range of technical, project management and organisational. For this stage, an SMS-enabled browser –based whiteboard being developed by the session leader will be used to capture and organise ideas.
25 minutes – small group (4-5) work to discuss a development topic of their choice.
15 minutes - plenary session to collate views and to address the central question of the scope of application for NXDs.
Outputs:
Summaries of the discussion in the selected areas, and guidance on the area of applicability of NXDs
History:
None
Session Leader Information:
Chris Wallace is a senior lecturer at the University of the West of England, Bristol. Chris is an object technology pioneer, delivering his first course in OO over 20 years ago. Seeking new challenges, in 1998, he and his wife bought a yacht and spent 3 years sailing round the world. Since his return, he has moved into the information systems and systems engineering field, but still likes playing with new technologies, including the use of SMS and MMS in collaborative systems.