Last year saw Extensible Markup Language (XML) being welcomed with open arms by the IT world. In March, for example, Microsoft released BizTalk, an XML-based, cross-platform, e-commerce framework that allows businesses to integrate applications and do business over the Internet.

A group of more than 100 companies, including IBM, is also working to build a standard model for XML called Electronic Business XML, which is expected to be completed in about 18 months.

While XML was making major headway in the IT world in 1999, it was making headlines on TechRepublic as well. Our story on this new trend, “XML: The future of the Web ,” was the fifth most read story for the CIO Republic in 1999. The article gives a brief overview of XML and how proponents feel it can improve the Web.

If you haven’t yet caught up on this emerging technology, now is your chance. Don’t be left behind in the XML movement; read our XML article now .
Is XML an integral part of your business? How does it help you? Post a comment and let us know.