XML gives new life to DNA code

Windows 2000 is the cornerstone of a new architecture Microsoft is promoting for the linking together of software, business processes and application delivery via the Internet. However, sceptics are debating whether Microsoft will be able to deliver on its ambitious promise of Internet-wide application interoperability with its new framework for e-business in the 20th century.

Called Windows Distributed interNet Architecture (Windows DNA) 2000, this platform is described by the software giant as an evolution from simple Web page delivery to a browser into the next generation of Internet services.

Windows 2000 is due for release to manufacturing on February 17, but the entire complement of server products that make up Windows DNA 2000 are only now entering beta testing. The entire solution is expected to be available by the middle of 2000.

The suite of software that will eventually make up Windows DNA 2000 includes Commerce Server 4.0, BizTalk Server, the 'Babylon' Integration Server which will provide application integration with legacy hosts, and Appcenter, new Microsoft technology for deploying applications on an array of servers. The next generation of the SQL Server database, codenamed Shiloh, will add native XML support and developer support will be provided by Microsoft Visual Studio.

The development of applications that will run across the Windows DNA 2000 platform is promised to be a much simpler process that will be able to support a wide range of tools and multiple programming languages.

At the core of Windows DNA 2000 is the industry-standard eXtensible Markup Language (XML), which enables its implementation across a diverse range of operating systems, object models and programming languages.

XML is intended to provide the glue that will allow interoperability between applications developed for Windows DNA 2000 and legacy systems.

"Just as 'browsing the Web' provides access to an almost infinite array of content, 'programming for the Web' will give developers an almost infinite array of building blocks to enhance or combine in any fashion to create exciting new solutions," said Steve Ballmer, president and CEO of Microsoft.