DataChannel goes cross-platform with Solaris port of XML Framework

An Enterprise Information Portal is only as good as the information it can access. To unleash the knowledge accrued in diverse data stores, companies are turning to universal Web technologies in general and to emerging XML standards in particular for platform independent data access. Recognizing the need for cross-platform support, DataChannel, a pioneer of XML intranet solutions, released last week a Solaris version of its flagship RIO Enterprise Information Portal (EIP) software. RIO was Intranet Design's software award for June 1998.

The first non-Windows version of RIO represents a significant departure for Datachannel, which over the past year has worked closely with Microsoft to blaze a trail for XML. The two recently partnered on a high-performance parser, XJ2.

Now, however, DataChannel has decided it must woo customers with heterogeneous environments. "The release of RIO on a UNIX platform is evidence of that goal," according to CEO David Pool.

Driving force

The first customer to pilot DataChannel's RIO 3.2 for Solaris is a big one: General Motors, which is building a framework called "Socrates" to access its 105 terabytes of distributed legacy data. GM has identified XML as a key technology towards that end, and is working closely with Datachannel to ensure that RIO meets its needs.

"We are committed to building our online infrastructure with Sun platforms and an XML architecture," said Steve Perlinski, director of electronic commerce at General Motors. "By releasing RIO 3.2 on the Solaris platform, DataChannel creates tremendous synergy with two outstanding technologies."

The GM pilot will benefit the industry as a whole by refining DataChannel's understanding of enterprise portal requirements. Key features in RIO 3.2 for Solaris currently include:

• an Extensible Security Architecture
• Extended Channel and Folder capabilities
• Enhanced Content Management features
• market-leading XML technology with XSL, XML validation and XQL support.

RIO 3.2 for Solaris is available immediately for $14,500 per server (100 user licenses).

IDM has published a number of articles by DataChannel on XML technology, including The Future of Internet Publishing, by Norbert Mikula.

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SOURCE: DataChannel, Inc., 5 April 1999