I'm sitting at my desk writing this editorial for the premier issue of XML-Journal for just one reason. And you're holding the issue in your hands for exactly the same reason: we both want to talk about XML - a technology that has revolutionized electronic commerce and enterprise computing and is going to completely refurbish the face of business as we know it today. The editorial board of XML-Journal and SYS-CON's writers and editors want to share their experiences in using this technology with you, and we want you to share yours with us. Tell us what you think of XML-J and how we can best serve your needs. We want to become your one-stop shop for all matters XML.

Before I go on, I guess I should introduce myself and talk about the origins of XML-Journal. I've been a contributing editor to our sister publication, Java Developer's Journal, since its inception, and currently write an e-Java column that focuses on Java and e-business. During JavaOne last June, I had an early morning breakfast session with SYS-CON management and the editorial group about a new, XML-focused publication. We decided to test industry interest by publishing the September '99 JDJ as an XML Focus issue. This issue sold out on the newsstands and we received very positive feedback from our readers. Thus XML-J was born.

XML DevCon 2000: XML Conference and Expo
The feedback and industry interest indicated a lack of good, convenient and easily accessible sources of current information on XML and related technologies. For this reason XML-J recently announced XML DevCon 2000, the only XML conference/expo on the East Coast this year, from June 25 to 28. We are determined to make this conference the most valuable and informative XML-focused gathering ever put together. More information on the conference is available elsewhere in this issue and at www.sys-con.com/xmlcon/ Mark your calendars!

Coming Up in XML-Journal
Now let's talk about what we're going to talk about in XML-Journal in the coming year. This premier issue is being published in the first quarter of the new millennium. Technologies from the last millennium will play a pivotal role in defining business in the years to come. XML is one of these technologies. Only a few years old, it already holds the promise of uniting computing platforms through a common paradigm. An interesting thing to note about the XML community is that it's a hybrid of the development and business communities. That partially explains why this magazine, unlike the others in the SYS-CON family, doesn't have the word Developer's in it. XML-J will concentrate on e-business and e-commerce, as well as on the development aspects of XML and related technologies.

Each issue we'll offer feature articles on a particular sector of XML in the industry. Other sections of the magazine will be dedicated to different XML technologies and verticals. XML Standards and XML Insider will bring you the latest developments in the XML language itself. Bob Sutor, chief strategy officer at OASIS, and Bob DuCharme will update you on this subject in every issue. Coco Jaenike will tell you about XML in the B2B marketplace. Israel Hilerio will show you how the worlds of XML and Java meet. My own contribution will be on XML's impact on e-business.

Each month we'll also try to bring you interviews with industry leaders in XML technologies. This month we talked to Coco Jaenike about the XML-related developments at eXcelon Corporation.

In forthcoming issues we'll highlight a couple of vendors who will write about XML technologies and what role their company plays in the industry. We'll also bring you a mix of tutorials, case studies, book and product reviews, letters from readers and the latest news in the XML arena.

We'd like you to contribute your own ideas to the magazine. Have you thought of a new way to apply the technology? Do you have some insights you can share with other readers? Are there concepts you can explain to others who are trying to get aboard this fast technology train? We're eager to hear from you.

In addition to the print issue you're reading, XML-J is also available online at www.sys-con.com/xml/index2.html. I encourage you to submit your ideas, feedback and opinions, and to share your experiences with readers like yourselves.

So go ahead. Turn the page. And welcome to the wonderful world of XML-J!