XML Problem - Design - Solution

In business there is no shortage of people wearing poker faces, presenting an air of close-minded elitism.
The XML world no doubt has its share as well. Fortunately, my experience has often been to come into
contact with an apparently skewed population: most say what they mean and listen to what others have
to say. Several were a source of constant encouragement whenever we happened to meet, which wasn’t as
often as I’d wish. Chief among these were B. Tommie Usdin, Debbie Lapeyre, Wendell Piez, Steve
Newcomb, Michel Biezunski, Jonathan Robie, and G. Ken Holman.
My coauthors Kay, Conrad, and Michael should also be so counted. I have to especially thank Kay for
inviting me to participate in the project, and getting access to Earl at Americana Vineyards & Winery (who
I thank for examples and feedback). Kay’s continued support of the Tri-XML group has brought a little of
that open XML community that much closer to home and made working in this profession that much
more enjoyable.
Bob Kern’s encouragement and guidance has also been critical. I recall being introduced to Bob during
one of the Tri-XML conferences—by both Jonathan and Kay. The timing never seemed quite right, but Bob
seemed to know just what to do and when to do it to get the ball rolling. If I wore a hat, I’d take it off to
you, Bob!
Finally, I have to thank again my family. To my wife Samantha and son Craig, who patiently put up with
the writing and the meetings—I couldn’t have done it without your support.
—Mitch Amiano
First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge my parents, the late Albert and Wilma D’Cruz, who
placed great emphasis on education and hard work. May they rest in peace. To my brothers (Errol and
Lester) and sisters (Vanessa, Charlene, and Denise) and their families, thank you for your love and sup-
port. To my friends and coworkers, thank you for your patience and understanding when I belabor a
point of view. I would like to thank all my teachers and mentors through the years for challenging me to
strive toward excellence and reach for the stars. To my colleagues in the U.S. Civil Air Patrol, I appreciate
your patience and understanding during my absence to write this book.
Thank you, Bob Kern, for going above and beyond in shepherding this project, channeling our energies,
and focusing four very strong and different points of view. Spring is almost here and we are done, so
maybe it’s time to go for another ride in the convertible with the top down.
To Jim Minatel, Maryann Steinhart, and Carrol (Griffith) Kessel at Wiley, thanks for keeping us in line
with all the paperwork and deadlines.
Finally, thank you, Kay, Mitch, and Michael, for being great colleagues in Tri-XML as well as on this
endeavor. One of these days, I may actually step outside the box and try some of that sushi.
—Conrad D’Cruz
In addition to thanking my children for the time they spared me to write, I have others around me whom
I want to thank for helping make this book possible, as well as for keeping work and play interesting.