Newmarket International, Inc. announced the submission of a complete, end-to-end XML schema for MeetingBroker.com, its new Web-based service that facilitates the open exchange of sales information among meeting planners, site selection or e-RFP sites, hotels, and destinations. The schema will work with the BizTalk Framework, an e-commerce framework that provides a set of implementation guidelines that facilitate open integration using Internet standards. MeetingBroker.com translates leads sent from e-RFP sites and deposits them directly into sales automation applications installed at individual hotels and destinations. MeetingBroker.com employs an open bi-directional architecture based on XML. In 1999, the HITIS (Hospitality Industry Technology Integration Standards) Advisory Committee and the OTA (OpenTravel Alliance) endorsed XML as the primary standard for platform mapping. The MeetingBroker.com schema utilizes XML and is available on the BizTalk web site at: www.biztalk.org, www.newsoft.com
Day: May 30, 2000
SyncML, the initiative founded by mobile technology industry companies Ericsson, IBM, Lotus, Motorola, Nokia, Psion, Palm, Inc. and Starfish Software, has released its first specification and reference toolkit. Delivered months ahead of schedule, the Specifications and Reference Toolkit source code are available in the Supporter area of the SyncML Website located at www.syncml.org. With the immediate availability of the first set of released SyncML specifications and development code, Supporters can deliver feedback directly to the SyncML initiative and start product development work. Bringing SyncML-based products one step closer to the public, the specifications include a full description of the XML based SyncML format, and a first look at the SyncML synchronization protocol. The toolkit will also include information on using SyncML over HTTP, WAP and OBEX. Since the announcement of its formation in February 2000, nearly 200 companies have announced their support for SyncML. The goals of the initiative are to develop a universal synchronization standard for the mobile computing industry. SyncML compliant products will be able to exchange information seamlessly across a wide range of operating platforms and communications technologies. Supporters of the initiative now include the founding eight companies and organizations such as Symbian, Excite@Home, PUMATECH, fusionOne, Xircom, and BT Cellnet. A complete list of the Supporters can be found on the Website. www.syncml.org
