An architectslobby headline on Javablogs pointed out by a co-worker reads:
While I haven't read the article it points to, I'm sure I could think up some better headlines:
- XML Beans: Looks great on the proposal.
- XML Beans: Because we didn't have quite enough incompatible XML object serialization formats.
- XML Beans: Two points in buzzword bingo!
- XML Beans: If you start running now, you just might escape.
XML Beans: Like CORBA, but with cooler committees.
XML Beans: Double the IOExceptions, double the fun!
XML Beans: It could be worse: it could be JAXB.
I know its not in the spirit of hilarity of this post, but the XML Beans proposal has to be one of the dumbest things I have heard of. Essentially BEA hosts a web service where you give them your XSD and they will return you source that implements a typed model of that XSD, and a standard method for marshalling/unmarshalling that model to/from the XML document. Kind of just like Castor, except that you are entirely beholden on BEA's largesse in providing the service to generate your code for you (and the resulting code is full of dependencies to BEA libs). Yup, like that idea!
We were thinking of calling it Open Source Enterprise XML Beans Synergy Paradigm, but that would have been too many bingo points.
Seriously, I should set the record straight here: XMLBeans is available just to download the old-fashioned way. The online service is for folks who don't like installing software to try it out.
XMLBeans is actually more than free. The XML Beans download includes its source code, and it is licensed under an Apache-like license. It is also being proposed as an Apache project.
http://nagoya.apache.org/wiki/apachewiki.cgi?XmlBeansExplanation
http://nagoya.apache.org/wiki/apachewiki.cgi?XmlBeansProposal