XML Schema Workshop

Wednesday 28th July 2004
Wadham College
Oxford UK
Presented by Ann Wrightson and Martin Bryan of CSW Group Ltd

Workshop outline
This one-day workshop is a game of two halves. In the morning, the basic principles of W3C XML schema are introduced and consolidated using a range of hands-on examples. The emphasis is on developing basic skills in schema development for both “document” and “data” style XML structures, including how to use library schema components.

In the afternoon, the emphasis shifts to principles of schema design, and by the end of the day participants will have been introduced to:

  • the common schema styles known as ‘Venetian Blind’, ‘Russian Doll’ and ‘Garden of Eden’, and where they tend to be most useful
  • the benefits and perils of developing schemas based on information models such as database schemas and UML (for large documents and for data)
  • schema design for interoperability standards and enterprise integration, including why we need schema design rules (such as those for UBL).

What you’ll gain from attending this workshop
The aim of this workshop is to provide a hands-on introduction to developing W3C XML schemas using sound design principles. At the end of the workshop, participants will have a good understanding of the components of W3C XML schemas, and should be able to continue to develop their skills with the aid of a good textbook, Internet and other resources.

The little you should already know…
It is expected that participants will already have an elementary knowledge of XML. Some general IT background knowledge will be assumed and some data modelling experience would be helpful.

The workshop presenters
Martin Bryan
Martin Bryan, a Senior Technical Consultant at CSW, has specialized in SGML and XML since 1985. A typesetter by training, Martin worked as an author, editor, production controller and typesetting systems tester for two decades before becoming Product Manager for the first SGML product suite to be developed in Europe. Since 1985 Martin has represented BSI on ISO committees evaluating document processing standards, and has served on the various ISO committees that have been responsible for the development of SGML, DSSSL, HyTime, Topic Maps and many other precursors to XML. In 1999 Martin helped create the first European test project on the combination of XML and EDI, a precursor to the development of ebXML as part of a CEN standardization initiative.

Ann Wrightson
Ann Wrightson has specialized in XML and SGML since 1985. She is well known in the XML field, presenting at conferences and participating actively in the continued development of international standards for XML-based technology. Following a varied and successful early career in electronic publishing, Ann spent 10 years lecturing, researching, and consulting in an academic context, including, in 1998, developing the first UK postgraduate course in XML technology. Moving back to industry, she was employed by a major UK publisher as an XML/SGML technical authority, and then as a consultant in Topic Maps technology and in e-Government, before joining CSW Group in 2004.

The venue
Wadham College is situated in the heart of the City and University of Oxford. The workshop is co-located with the XML Summer School, organised by CSW Group Ltd and sponsored by XML UK, which runs from 25th to 30th July.

Registration
Registration costs £75/£100/£150 (student members/members/non-members) and includes refreshments and buffet lunch. To register, please download the registration form (PDF download) which contains full details of the event.

In order to provide accurate numbers for catering, all registration is required by 5.30 p.m. on Friday 23 July 2004.

Presentations
19 July 2005: XML UK will make presentations available as soon as practicable. In the meantime, we apologise for any inconvenience.