XML and objects-the future of the e-forms on the Web

Abstract

Many organisations are using the Web for electronic commerce or purely for the collection and dissemination of information based on forms and tables. For many of these organisations a bespoke Web design with specialised Java Script is what they want. However, for organisations not wishing to make this investment, a flexible system based on a standard XML DTD could fit the bill. Fully functional e-forms can be prepared and maintained for a fraction of the price of a bespoke Web design. Based on a combination of the knowledge of the real meaning of data and metadata, XML and the Web, and object oriented technology, there is a new way to develop e-forms and to integrate them with applications.