The Role of XML

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XML is ubiquitous in .NET and is highly important in Microsoft's overall vision. Some uses of XML in .NET include:

• XML can be used to model data in coordination with ADO.NET datasets.

• XML is used in configuration files.

• XML documentation can be automatically generated by some .NET languages.

• XML is used for encoding requests and responses in Web Services.

• XML is used to describe and transmit data in Web Services.

Success Factors for Web Services

The ultimate success of Microsoft's Internet vision depends on two external factors: the infrastructure of the Internet and the success of the proposed Web Services business model. The widespread use of Web Services depends on having high bandwidth widely available. This capability will probably indeed materialize within the next several years . The prospect for the business model remains to be seen.

It is important to understand that the overall .NET technology includes far more than the widely hyped Internet part. The more robust Windows platform and the very powerful .NET Framework and tools will be enduring features.

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