Book excerpt: XML Programming Using the Microsoft XML Parser is written for programmers interested in XML development using Microsoft technologies. Coupling valuable discussion of the Microsoft XML parser, Windows platform, and XML development software with the numerous core XML technologies, including XSLT, XPATH, SAX, DOM, XML Schema, and SOAP, this book steps beyond the mainstream focus on the theoretical aspects of XML and actually demonstrates the concepts in a real-world development environment. Veteran authors and trainers Soo Mee Foo and Wei Meng Lee intersperse this survey of XML technologies with discussion of topics sure to interest any budding XML developer, providing timely information regarding Web services, ActiveX Data Objects (ADO), and Microsoft SQL Server 2000 XML support. A chapter is also devoted to the Wireless Markup Language (WML), one of the most visible applications of XML technology. No question, XML is one of the rising stars in information technology. XML Programming Using the Microsoft XML Parser offers you what you need to know to get acquainted with the concepts necessary to begin development with this exciting technology.