XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is a new and rapidly maturing technology, but the amount of accurate information available to new users hasn’t kept pace with their needs. XML represents a different way of looking at information; the people who come in contact with it need to understand how to cope with new tools and new concepts.

There are generally three groups for whom training is appropriate:

	managers, who need an overview of the technologies and terminology involved to help them in dealing with vendors and technical personnel;
	users, who need a basic understanding of the concepts and common principles they will encounter in their on-the-job dealings with XML-based systems; and
	developers, who require an in-depth understanding of the principles and syntax of XML as they design and maintain information-processing systems.

DMSi’s on-site training offers several distinct advantages. Our training is focused on the needs of your particular organization. Since we come to you, organizations typically are able to train more personnel at a much lower cost-per-student. Coupling DMSi’s training offerings with our consulting services allows the participants to gain an in-depth understanding of the concepts that will become key to the success of the project.

 Course Offerings

Introduction to XML

This course is our most popular, and provides a comprehensive introduction to the XML 1.0 Recommendation, its terminology, and use. A brief history of the XML 1.0 Recommendation will be presented, along with discussion of XML's relationship to HTML and SGML. Students will then learn information analysis techniques and Document Type Definition (DTD) syntax necessary to describe requirements and information as XML documents and DTDs. (three-day course, combining Overview for Managers, half-day Information Analysis, and XML Document and DTD Syntax, hands-on exercises)

XML Overview for Managers

This lecture provides background and a basic understanding of XML concepts. A brief history of the development of XML is presented, along with an introduction to the terminology and uses of the technology. (half-day, no exercises)

Information Analysis

The most important part of developing an XML application is defining the essential parts of an information set. This workshop examines the basic strategies for identifying requirements and constraints for an application, and defining information components for expression in standard syntax. (half-day to two-day)

XML Document and DTD Syntax

This introduction to XML combines an overview of XML document syntax, both well-formed and valid, with hands-on experience creating XML documents and Document Type Definitions. Students will learn to write simple DTDs and recognize common parsing errors encountered when dealing with documents and DTDs. (two-days, hands-on exercises)

XML DTD Syntax

This hands-on tutorial introduces students to the rationale and techniques behind the development of XML DTDs. Students will learn to write the basic XML syntax declarations: XML Declaration, DOCTYPE, ELEMENT, ATTLIST, ENTITY, and NOTATION, and to properly apply those declarations to the problems of describing information structures. (one-day, hands-on exercises)

Introduction to XML and XSLT

This course follows the development of a simple XML-based information system, from background of the technology through information analysis and DTD development to presentation of information as a web based deliverables using XSLT. Students will learn to create well-formed and valid XML documents, write simple XML DTDs, and create simple XSLT transformations to HTML for browser display. (five-day course, combining Introduction to XML with two-day XSLT and tools overview, hands-on exercises)

SGML/XML Concepts

This tutorial provides an introduction to SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) and XML (Extensible Markup Language) concepts and syntax, highlighting their similarities and differences. The course examines the issues involved in translating the differences in syntax from systems using one markup meta language to the other, and discusses design strategies that can ease that transition. (four-day course, hands-on exercises)

Introduction to XLink and XPointer

This tutorial examines the W3C proposals for extended linking mechanisms and their application to information systems. The syntax of XLink and XPointer will be presented, along with their projected uses and application domains. (one- or two-day course, hands-on exercises)

XML/SGML Advanced Topics

This series of single-topic tutorials will be offered on request for such issues as DTD modularization, HyTime linking and architectural forms, and advanced DTD techniques. The length and depth of the tutorial will depend on student knowledge and objectives. (one- or two-day modules, hands-on exercises)

Introduction to DTD Alternatives

This course examines the similarities, differences, and expected use domains for a number of proposed DTD alternatives. The discussions will center around the W3C-sponsored XML Schema initiative and the RELAX proposal submitted to the ISO, with some time devoted to Microsoft's XDR, CommerceOne's SOX, and Rick Jelliffe's Schematron. (one- or two-day course, hands-on exercises)