Yankee Group Expects to See the Internet Application Infrastructure Evolve to Include Native XML Databases

Business Wire, August 1, 2001

Business/Technology Editors

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 1, 2001

New native XML databases leverage the flexible and extensible nature of XML to provide developers with a schema-less data management tool that supports the rapidly changing data and content streams inherent in today's Internet-based applications.

According to its Report, "Native XML Databases Join Internet Application Infrastructure," the Yankee Group believes that the native XML database is here to stay, but that RDBMS providers shouldn't lose any sleep over the entry of this new application infrastructure tool. The XML database will provide an optimal solution for applications that are heavily content-based, use data with deep hierarchies, or have rapidly evolving and unpredictable data schema. While applications will be developed entirely on XML databases, relational databases will continue to be the primary data store for applications. The scale of the RDBMS providers, the array of supporting tools and services, the wealth of knowledge and experience behind the products, and their very real value in efficiently handling large record-oriented data will assure this.

Robert Perry, senior research analyst for the Yankee Group's Internet Computing Strategies research and consulting practice comments, "While still in an early stage of development, the energy behind native XML databases and the growing support from industry heavyweights indicate that the uniqueness of XML warrants unique data storage solutions. The denial of this uniqueness by relational database providers such as Oracle--as they seek to position the RDBMS as the solution for all data management needs, including XML--is predictable, and in some ways supports the position of the native XML database providers."

NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information, interview, or comment, contact Robert Perry at rperry@yankeegroup.com

The Yankee Group (www.yankeegroup.com)

As a global leader in technology research and strategic consulting, the Yankee Group provides accurate, reliable, and trusted research; custom consulting; and personalized one-to-one client interaction encompassing all areas essential to e-business success: Internet, electronic commerce, communications, wireless, computing, and enterprise applications. Established in 1970 and headquartered in Boston, the company maintains offices throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim.