I've never meta-language like it

XML is used to define data structures, and can be thought of as a form definition language. Take the application form for a driving licence, for example.

Today, this form is paper-based and usually processed by a human, which is both time-consuming and prone to error. With XML, you can create an identical electronic form which can be processed by a computer. XML allows you to define the fields of the form as, for example, 'full name', 'postcode', 'age'.

What's more, XML doesn't place any restriction on the type of fields you can invent, so there is no reason why a form can't be extended to include 'favourite car colour' and 'zodiac sign'.

Such flexibility makes XML the perfect starting point to create one's own language. In this case, I could call it DLML (driving licence markup language). This flexibility is what makes XML a bona fide meta-language.

Clearly, some of the buzz surrounding XML is justified. It offers unparalleled openness and, having been created by the World Wide Web Consortium, isn't under the control of any single vendor. Thus, XML is less likely to seduce us into becoming part of someone else's revenue agenda.

XML also offers a way to standardise the flow of data between the many incompatible systems that make up the typical IT architecture. This means there is no need to buy single-vendor, enterprise-wide applications.

(Enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management players take note.)

Working together

Such interoperability will make it easier for companies using disparate technologies to work together. So expect a flurry of joint ventures over the next few years.

XML also allows businesses to create and define whatever language they like. Be it ECML (ecclesiastical crocheting markup language) or RAML (real ale markup language), XML will enable like-minded folk to get talking electronically, without the need to overhaul their IT systems.

Using XML on the web, it is now possible to label data held on web pages so that it is visible to XML reading software, otherwise known as bots.

This means that if a consumer wants to get the best price on a Ford Cougar, they can simply send their bot off to gather all the web pages that contain the price of such a car.

Not only does this spare the need to trawl round showrooms physically, it even removes the need to trawl the web.

For businesses, XML could drive down supplier prices as they are forced into a commodity situation. Once prices are lower, vendors will need to compete in other areas, such as quality of service or after-sales care.

The future looks bright for XML. In one fell swoop, we have a vendor-independent data structuring language that addresses the need of the connected enterprise.

It could drive down the prices paid to systems integrators and enterprise application developers. It is sufficiently flexible to deal with existing display technologies, from PCs and digital TVs to personal digital assistants and mobile phones.

Development is also underway to create XML languages for forthcoming technologies, such as 'head up' display glasses and virtual reality.

Ade McCormack is founder and managing director of Auridian, a consulting group that promotes co-operation between business and IT.