also... SGML/DTD

[Peter-john Byrnes]

> All that said, OmniWeb 2.0 will probably be a lot more
> intelligent about   error correction, since that's what the
> market needs.  Understanding true   SGML with an arbitrary DTD
> is basically a separate problem from writing a   web browser,
> and although I think it's an interesting one I don't see as
> much market for it.  I'd rather be adding other cool features.

The size of this particular market, I think, will depend on a  
number of non-Omni, non-NeXT developments, specifically how both  
SoftQuad's Panorama (an add-on SGML broswer to web browser) and the  
WordPerfect 6.0 add-ons (which allow one to write conformant SGML  
under a DTD of one's choice, with a number of standard ones  
included) are received.  They both seem to be generating some  
interest, even though Panorama is only available for Windoze (with  
"UNIX" and Mac releases promised for Q4), and the WordPerfect  
(Novell) product hasn't been released for any format.

Having said that, I can see Omni's/Wil's position all too clearly,  
I fear, and don't see much sign of that changing.  The push toward  
SGML on the Web is coming almost entirely from academe and  
government, two markets where there are is certainly a NEXTSTEP  
presence, but not the sort of presence that pays the bills.  Still,  
it might be possible for Omni to (say) enter into some partnership  
with some entity like SoftQuad, who have already arranged to bundle  
a free, limited version of their browser with NCSA Mosaic and Spry.

I suspect, though, that any port of an existing SGML browser that  
works under Windows or X would be more trouble than it's worth, and  
that any attempt at a NEXTSTEP SGML browser will come from the  
academic labs.  Any volunteers?  I'd do it this weekend, but....I've  
got to be out of town.

--pete.


--

Peter-john Byrnes		
Online Scholarship Initiative	804/924-3169
Electronic Text Center		byrnes at virginia.edu
University of Virginia		(NeXT/MIMEmail OK)