Implementing
XML & "Thin Client" Technology in Information Management Systems
Autolib Library and Information Management
Systems deliver a fully web-enabled service, whether it is
operating within a Local Area Network or over a Wide Area Network
(the Internet). It is their implementation of XML and "Thin
Client" technology that offers a stable, yet highly scalable
platform for resource centres of any type to build upon.
What is XML?
Extensible
Markup Language (XML) is defined by the "World
Wide Web Consortium" as THE way to transfer
information from point to point in a platform and language
independent
manner.
Its content can be manipulated
with stylesheets to generate a variety of display formats
for end users. It facilitates communication between enterprises
using intranet and internet based systems, promoting an environment
of open standards.
An Example of XML
'Thin Client' Technology
An improvement
on the two-tier client-server setup, our 3-tiered architecture
eliminates the need to configure each client station to
the database. The client machines (thin clients) need only
support an internet connection to manage the information
held on the central database. Maximum functionality is
delivered through an executable, rather than through a
browser.
The thin clients' XML requests are processed
by middleware that interfaces with with any database server
supported by ADO with a simple connection string adjustment.
How do
Autolib's technologies combine to benefit your resource
centre?
Compatibility
Autolib allows XML compliant
systems to seamlessly share information in real-time on
an intranet or over the internet. It is capable of bringing
together dispersed information held in
a variety of formats.
Stability
Thanks to XML's open standards, there is no
need for Autolib to translate between languages. This makes
for easy installation and maintenance, and reliablility over
a WAN.
Scalability
XML technology allows
Autolib to deliver stand alone solutions through to enterprise
wide,
multi-site systems, across networks of any size and the Internet. Since the
data is held and processed centrally, the management terminals
are easy to install and do not require high specifications.
Tailored Look
You have complete
control over the design of your web OPAC. By creating your own
'style sheets', standard XML data can
be manipulated
so
that only the data you choose
is visible on the OPAC, and in a personalised format with
your company
name and logo.
