A standard that doesn't enable parts of the solution to 
evolve or option isn't attractive to a systems integrator 
or developer.  We see examples of XML-enabled vocabularies 
that in their codes are explicitly calling out other 
standards which are either not current or not the only 
option.  In a global marketplace, convergence is a rare 
event.  A good example is location standards in cross-product 
with geospatial descriptors.  The geographic descriptors 
may be using OGC standards such as the Geographic Markup 
Language (GML).  The location standard common in America 
is WS84, but in Australia it is GDA94.  If a third standard 
that includes both requirements chooses the American common 
descriptors over the Australian, and chooses to use homebrew 
descriptors for geographic elements over say, GML, then 
at this point, a global vendor has no choice but to 
gut the standard with variants.  One prefers to do this 
using an acceptable version indicator or even by extension, 
but it will be done regardless of the intent of the 
committees.

So when asking the question, are customers interested 
in technologies that solve problems, one more often 
than not hears an enthusiastic 'Yes', but wherever 
there are more than one way to solve the problem, 
local preferences choose and the vendor has to do 
what is right for the business (before an ethics 
flame war starts, be sure to look up fiduciary 
duty and the law).

So standard means to optionalize after the fact of 
standardization are very desirable because otherwise, 
contracts have to be written that fix obligations 
away from said standards, and the contracts prevail.

len (just call me Dapple)


From: G. Ken Holman [mailto:gkholman@C...]

Will any vendors on this list comment on whether the standardized 
nature of these problem-solving technologies will interest them in 
providing solutions?

Will any users on this list comment on whether they will approach 
their vendors with interest in these new technologies that solve new
problems?

Am I optimistic?  A good markup friend called me Quixotic.