Dimension Data and software partner Software AG are setting up SA`s first centre of excellence dedicated to XML (eXtensible Markup Language). Globally, the universal meta language XML is rapidly emerging as a vital ingredient for all forms of e-business.
The establishment of the XML Academy will ensure the body of knowledge around XML in South Africa grows, and that real skills are rapidly developed. XML promises to have broad implications for the way local organisations do business and the Academy will assist in demystifying the technology, enabling businesses to make decisions based on sound, up-to-date knowledge.
XML ensures that Internet applications `understand each other`, and that they can communicate smoothly with traditional enterprise software. It is the fuel that will drive the engines of electronic business, offering flexibility, decreased development time and increased efficiency.
"Our intention is to build excellence in the IT industry around XML standards," says Tony Smith, manager of Dimension Data i-Commerce`s Software AG business unit. The Academy, due to open this year, will be jointly run by Dimension Data and Software AG (SAG), a global market leader in the development of e-business applications using XML.
"The Academy will include a forum of knowledgeable academics and industry specialists, and people will be encouraged to add to the body of XML knowledge in South Africa through an online Web initiative."
Smith says the Academy will also focus on building skills, thereby helping companies to increase productivity and efficiency by exploiting the full power of XML. "We will provide up-to-date, high-quality and focused courses for professionals and newcomers.
"Specialists will also be able to earn XML certification. In the same way as Cisco has set the benchmark for network certification, so the XML Academy will set the standard for certification in XML," he says.
XML Academies are up and running in eight countries already, with the first opening in 2000, in Denmark. Details of the SA XML Academy will be made available at the Southern African "Software AG Experience 2001" conference taking place this month (19 July).
"The XML Academy certification already has high credibility in Europe, and we believe the same will be true within a very short time in SA," says Gerhard Strouhal, regional manager, Software AG.
Strouhal was in SA recently to renew his company`s long-term relationship with Dimension Data`s Software AG Business Unit. "Dimension Data remains our sole exclusive distributor for Southern Africa," says Strouhal. "We believe that together we can further develop our customer base, and penetrate new sectors, especially with the Tamino XML Platform and middleware technology, EntireX.
"We also plan to continue concentrating on the Natural/Adabas installed base, which represents over 50% of SA`s mainframe market."
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Dimension Data Holdings plc (LSE: DDT), is a leading technology company that represents a new category of systems integrator providing network and multi-channel e-business solutions to global corporations.
Founded in 1983 as a specialist supplier of technology and services, Dimension Data`s strategy has evolved with the emergence of the intelligent network as the most important enabler in business today. Dimension Data`s global presence combined with its expertise and extensive skills base in network infrastructure and e-business solutions environments enables its customers to ascend into the global marketplace through 100% connectivity and integration.
Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Dimension Data is a member of the FTSE 100 index, employs over 12 000 people and operates in over 30 countries on six continents. Dimension Data has achieved a three-year compound annual growth rate in US dollars of 73% in revenue and 36% in basic earnings per share. For more information, please go to www.didata.com
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