| > I think I'll jump on this, the second reference, to
| > Microsoft's promised COM object.
| >
| > A couple of points:
| >
| > * So we want XML to be tied to the great monopoly?
|
| No. But if I was going to make software to compete with the Great
| Monopoly, it would have to be free software. Commercial software is more
| expensive to develop, and the chances of making the money back are small.
| But you claim that free software isn't good enough. So what's the
| incentive?
Well, if XML is going to have the huge impact everyone is hoping,
then there will be a market, and therefore a source of revenue.
Quite simply, those who are willing to lead the way when an idea
is small will reap the benefits a thousand-fold when the market
explodes in size. Take Netscape for example.
As an SGML/XML consultant and software developer, I would not
use free software unless: it had been through a number
of versions; it was widely used; I had access to the source.
Even then, I would have doubts.
While there are a few obvious counter-examples (Linux and
Apache), I would really rather use commercial software,
and pay for it.
I don't need an XML version of Word. Just a lightweight
XML editor that can be embedded as a component in my
Delphi/etc applications. It doesn't have to support
graphics, namespaces, XLink, DCD, etc. Just DTDs and
ideally a tiny bit of formatting to make it look nice
for the user.
Now I am contemplating developing this myself, simply
to use in a project I am currently working on. I
have the funds, but not the time.
So, is there anyone out there, preferably in Australia,
who has the expertise and time to do some contract
programming on this?
Cheers,
J
-------------------------
James Robertson
Step Two Designs Pty Ltd
SGML, XML & HTML Consultancy
http://www.steptwo.com.au/
jamesr@steptwo.com.au
"Beyond the Idea"
ACN 081 019 623