SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND ARCHITECTURE

What is System Integration?

System integration combines different IT systems, software applications, and hardware components
within an organization. This integration ensures these systems work together. This enables smooth data
flow, efficient communication, and streamlined operations. By integrating different systems, businesses
can enhance productivity, reduce redundancy, improve data accuracy, and achieve a unified view of
their operations.

Steps of System Integration

1. Initial Analysis

The first step in system integration involves conducting a comprehensive initial analysis. This phase
includes assessing the existing IT infrastructure, identifying integration needs and objectives, and
analyzing potential challenges. By understanding the organization’s requirements and constraints, we
can develop a tailored integration strategy that aligns with business goals.

2. Integration Style

Once the initial analysis is complete, we determine the most suitable integration style. Integration styles
can vary, including point-to-point integration, hub-and-spoke integration, or a service-oriented
architecture (SOA) approach. We carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each style and choose the one
that best fits the organization.

3. Integration Design

The integration design phase focuses on creating a robust framework for system integration. This
involves designing data mappings, defining workflows, specifying communication protocols, and
designing interfaces. A well-planned integration design ensures seamless data exchange, efficient
process automation, and effective communication between integrated systems.

4. Implementation

With the integration design in place, we move forward with the implementation phase. This stage
includes configuring integration software, developing custom connectors or APIs, testing integration
processes, and deploying the integrated system. Our experienced team manages the implementation
process meticulously to cut disruptions and ensure a smooth transition to the integrated environment.

5. Maintenance

System integration is an ongoing process that requires continuous maintenance and support. When we
are maintaining your system, we handle any unforeseen events. Our proactive maintenance approach
ensures that the integrated system remains robust, secure, and optimized for optimal performance. This
maximizes the return on IT investments for businesses.
What is an Integration Architecture?

The integration architecture (IA) is an important part of the IT landscape of every company, which
simplifies the integration of many IT components within and between business units. The IA is changing
with advances in cross-platform utilities and other development paradigms for new types of digital
operations. Integration software breaks down silos and enables different software applications to
communicate with each other.

What is the role of integration architect?

The main tasks of the integration architect are to maintain an efficient technical environment for all
customer services, to document all architecture plans and to provide support for all functions and the
installation of system components. This includes the coordination, planning and implementation of
software integrations both internally and via third-party applications. She also helps to complete all
systems and supports various stakeholders in system integration.
System Integration and Architecture: History, Current Trends, and Future

What is System Integration and Architecture?

 System Integration: The process of bringing together different subsystems or components into a
single unified system, ensuring they work together seamlessly.
 System Architecture: The conceptual blueprint that defines the structure, behavior, and more of
a system, including its components, their interactions, and the technologies used.

History of System Integration and Architecture

1. Early Days (1950s–1970s):

o Early computers operated as standalone systems, often siloed without integration.
o System architecture was simple, focusing on monolithic systems with minimal
interconnectivity.
o Integration occurred primarily in custom-built mainframes and early networked
systems.
2. Rise of Networking (1980s):
o Introduction of Local Area Networks (LANs) enabled basic integration across systems.
o Architectures like client-server emerged, with systems split between front-end clients
and back-end servers.
o Middleware solutions began to facilitate communication between disparate systems.
3. Enterprise Systems and Standardization (1990s):
o The rise of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) aimed at
integrating organizational processes.
o The emergence of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) promoted reusability and
modularity in system components.
o Standards like CORBA and XML facilitated interoperability across platforms.
4. Web Integration and APIs (2000s):
o The explosion of the internet necessitated systems that could integrate web-based
applications.
o APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) became the cornerstone for integration.
o Distributed architectures like n-tier systems gained popularity.
5. Cloud and Microservices (2010s):
o The rise of cloud computing revolutionized system architecture, enabling global,
scalable, and on-demand services.
o Microservices architecture replaced monolithic systems, breaking applications into
smaller, independently deployable services.
o Integration moved towards API-driven development, leveraging RESTful APIs, GraphQL,
and gRPC.

Current Trends in System Integration and Architecture

 1. API-First Integration:
o Systems are now designed with APIs as the foundation, ensuring seamless integration
and interoperability.
2. Microservices and Containerization:
o Docker and Kubernetes enable scalable, lightweight deployment of microservices,
improving system flexibility and resilience.
3. Cloud-Native Architectures:
o Systems are increasingly designed to be cloud-first, leveraging serverless computing,
distributed databases, and cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
4. Event-Driven Architectures:
o Systems are moving towards real-time processing using event streams and tools like
Apache Kafka and AWS EventBridge.
5. Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Integration:
o Enterprises use multiple cloud providers, requiring sophisticated integration strategies
to manage data flow across platforms.
6. AI and Automation in Integration:
o Machine learning automates integration tasks, such as data mapping and error
detection.
o AI-driven analytics improve decision-making in architectural designs.
7. Security and Compliance:
o Modern architectures focus on zero-trust security and compliance with regulations like
GDPR, CCPA, and ISO standards.
8. Low-Code and No-Code Platforms:
o Tools like MuleSoft, Zapier, and OutSystems make integration accessible to non-
technical users.

Future of System Integration and Architecture

1. AI-Driven System Design:

o AI will play a larger role in designing and optimizing architectures, creating self-healing
and self-optimizing systems.
2. Edge and Fog Computing:
o With the rise of IoT, system architectures will increasingly shift processing to the edge,
closer to data sources.
3. Quantum Computing Integration:
o Future architectures will include quantum processors, necessitating integration with
classical systems for hybrid solutions.
4. Blockchain for Decentralized Integration:
o Blockchain technology could enable trustless, decentralized system integration,
especially for financial, healthcare, and supply chain systems.
5. Composable Architecture:
o Systems will be built as modular, plug-and-play components, allowing organizations to
adapt rapidly to changing needs.
6. Digital Twin Integration:
 o Integration of physical systems with their digital counterparts (digital twins) will enable
real-time monitoring, simulation, and optimization.
7. Sustainable Architecture:
o Green IT initiatives will drive the development of energy-efficient architectures and
systems that minimize environmental impact.
8. Greater Standardization:
o Future systems will leverage universal standards to simplify integration, reducing
reliance on custom solutions.
9. Human-Centric Integration:
o Architectures will prioritize user experiences, integrating seamlessly with human-
computer interaction technologies like AR/VR, voice interfaces, and brain-computer
interfaces.
10. Resilient and Adaptive Systems:
o Future architectures will focus on building resilience against cyber threats and adapting
to new business models in real time.

Conclusion

System integration and architecture have evolved from siloed, monolithic systems to highly
interconnected, scalable, and distributed architectures. Current trends emphasize modularity, real-time
processing, and cloud-native solutions. The future promises further innovation with AI-driven designs,
decentralized integration, quantum computing, and a greater focus on sustainability and user-centric
design. These developments will continue to transform how systems are built, integrated, and managed,
enabling smarter and more efficient technological ecosystems.
Best Practices for Designers and Developers of XML Applications

1. Define Clear and Consistent Schemas:

o Use XML Schema (XSD) or Document Type Definition (DTD) to define the structure,
data types, and rules for your XML documents.
o Ensure schemas are well-documented for clarity and consistency across applications.
2. Use Namespaces to Avoid Conflicts:
o Implement XML namespaces to prevent naming collisions, especially when integrating
XML from multiple sources.
o Use meaningful and descriptive namespace URIs.
3. Ensure Proper Encoding:
o Always specify the character encoding in the XML declaration (e.g., <?xml version="1.0"
encoding="UTF-8"?>).
o Use UTF-8 encoding for broad compatibility.
4. Validate XML Documents:
o Validate XML files against their schema (XSD or DTD) to ensure structural and data
integrity.
o Implement validation during both development and runtime to detect and prevent
errors.
5. Optimize Readability and Maintainability:
o Format XML with proper indentation and line breaks for human readability.
o Use comments (<!-- Comment -->) to explain complex sections of the XML.
6. Design for Extensibility:
o Plan for future changes by using flexible structures, such as optional elements and
attributes.
o Avoid hardcoding values that may change over time.
7. Keep Documents Lightweight:
o Minimize the size of XML documents by avoiding unnecessary elements, attributes, or
redundant data.
o Compress large XML files using tools like GZIP if they need to be transmitted over
networks.
8. Secure XML Applications:
o Prevent XML External Entity (XXE) attacks by disabling external entity processing.
o Use secure parsers that support features like DTD and external entity restrictions.
o Validate and sanitize all inputs to prevent injection attacks.
9. Use Descriptive Element and Attribute Names:
o Choose meaningful and self-explanatory names to enhance the clarity of the XML
document.
o Follow consistent naming conventions (e.g., camelCase or snake_case).
10. Adopt Versioning Practices:
o Include a version attribute in your XML documents to handle compatibility and updates
(e.g., <document version="1.0">).
o Maintain backward compatibility whenever possible.
11. Utilize Modularization:
 o Break down large XML schemas into smaller, reusable modules for better manageability
and reusability.
12. Choose the Right Parsing Method:
o Use DOM parsers for applications requiring random access to XML data.
o Use SAX parsers for memory-efficient sequential processing of large XML files.
o Consider StAX parsers for a balance of performance and control.
13. Implement Error Handling:
o Provide detailed error messages for invalid XML or schema violations.
o Ensure that applications gracefully handle parsing and validation errors.
14. Leverage Transformation Standards:
o Use XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) to transform XML
documents into other formats like HTML or JSON.
o Separate data from presentation logic for easier maintenance.
15. Test Extensively:
o Test XML applications under various scenarios, including edge cases and malformed
inputs.
o Use automated tools to validate and test XML schemas and documents.
16. Consider Interoperability:
o Design XML applications with cross-platform and cross-language compatibility in mind.
o Use widely accepted standards and avoid proprietary extensions.
17. Integrate Efficiently:
o Use XPath and XQuery for querying and processing XML data.
o Optimize queries to reduce processing time and resource consumption.
18. Monitor and Log Usage:
o Track and log XML processing activities for debugging, performance tuning, and
auditing.
o Monitor document sizes, parsing times, and error rates.

By adhering to these best practices, designers and developers can create XML applications that are
efficient, secure, and scalable while maintaining ease of use and compatibility.
Learning or teaching XML effectively goes beyond understanding best practices. Here are strategies
for both learners and educators.

For Learners

1. Start with the Basics:

o Understand XML Syntax: Learn the rules for well-formed XML (elements, attributes,
nesting, and closing tags).
o Learn the Purpose of XML: Understand how it is used for data representation,
configuration, and exchange.
o Try Hands-On Examples: Experiment with simple XML documents and gradually
increase complexity.
2. Interactive Learning Platforms:
o Use online platforms like W3Schools or Tutorialspoint for step-by-step tutorials and
interactive coding exercises.
3. Experiment with Tools:
o Use XML editors like Oxygen XML, XMLSpy, or Notepad++ to create and validate XML
documents.
o Explore IDEs like Visual Studio Code with XML plugins for schema validation.
4. Study Related Technologies:
o XPath: Learn how to query XML documents.
o XSLT: Understand how to transform XML documents into other formats like HTML or
plain text.
o Schemas: Study DTD, XML Schema (XSD), and Relax NG for XML validation.
5. Build Real-World Projects:
o Create XML-based configuration files for applications.
o Use XML in data interchange scenarios with APIs.
o Develop a simple RSS feed or sitemap using XML.
6. Use Video Tutorials:
o Watch instructional videos on YouTube or platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn
Learning.
7. Collaborate in XML Projects:
o Contribute to open-source projects or participate in forums like Stack Overflow to apply
XML knowledge in real-world scenarios.

For Educators

1. Simplify the Concepts:

o Use analogies to explain the structure and purpose of XML (e.g., XML as a "dictionary"
or "blueprint" for data).
 2. Focus on Practical Applications:
o Showcase how XML is used in web services, configuration files, or document formats
like SVG.
3. Provide Real-World Context:
o Demonstrate how XML integrates with modern technologies (e.g., SOAP, REST APIs, and
interoperability between systems).
4. Interactive Labs:
o Design hands-on labs where students:
 Create an XML document.
 Validate it against an XSD schema.
 Use XPath to query it.
 Transform it using XSLT.
5. Encourage Group Projects:
o Assign group tasks to design XML documents for a mock company or system.
6. Use Visual Tools:
o Teach using visualizers or editors that highlight XML structure, errors, and relationships.
7. Showcase XML in Modern Contexts:
o Introduce how XML works alongside JSON, its advantages, and use cases for both.
8. Use Case Studies:
o Present real-world examples like RSS feeds, configuration files, and SOAP APIs to show
XML in action.
9. Engage with Quizzes and Challenges:
o Use platforms like Kahoot or create coding challenges to make learning interactive and
competitive.

Suggested Path for Both

1. Beginner:
o Start with syntax, structure, and the "why" of XML.
o Create and edit small XML documents.
2. Intermediate:
o Learn validation (DTD/XSD) and transformation (XSLT).
o Explore querying with XPath.
3. Advanced:
o Understand XML’s role in APIs and integration with modern web technologies.
o Implement XML in real-world scenarios, such as sitemaps, RSS feeds, or configuration
files.

By combining foundational theory with hands-on practice and real-world applications, learners and
educators can make XML learning both effective and engaging.
Understanding XML Integration Best Practices

XML (Extensible Markup Language) is widely used for data exchange due to its flexibility, readability, and
platform-independent nature. Integrating systems with XML requires careful attention to best practices
to ensure efficiency, security, and maintainability. Here are some key practices:

1. Schema Design and Validation

 Use XML Schema Definition (XSD) to define the structure, data types, and constraints of your
XML documents.
 Validate XML documents against the schema to ensure data integrity and consistency.

2. Namespace Management

 Use XML namespaces to prevent element and attribute name conflicts, especially in systems
integrating multiple data sources.
 Adhere to a clear namespace versioning strategy to manage changes over time.

3. Efficient Parsing

 Choose the appropriate XML parser based on your use case:

o DOM (Document Object Model) for in-memory manipulation of XML documents.
o SAX (Simple API for XML) for memory-efficient, event-driven parsing.
o StAX (Streaming API for XML) for a balance between DOM and SAX.

4. Security Considerations

 Protect against XML External Entity (XXE) attacks by disabling external entity resolution in
parsers.
 Sanitize and validate input to prevent injection attacks.
 Use transport-level security (e.g., HTTPS) and encryption for sensitive XML data.

5. Performance Optimization

 Avoid unnecessary nesting and reduce verbosity in XML to minimize file size.
 Use binary XML formats like Efficient XML Interchange (EXI) if performance is critical.
 Compress XML data during transmission to reduce bandwidth usage.

6. Error Handling and Logging

 Implement robust error handling for malformed or invalid XML documents.

 Log parsing errors and schema validation issues for troubleshooting.
7. Interoperability

 Ensure adherence to widely recognized standards (e.g., SOAP, REST) for compatibility.
 Use UTF-8 encoding for universal compatibility.

Evaluating Advantages of Web Services Best Practices

Web services enable systems to communicate over the internet using standardized protocols and data
formats. Implementing web services with best practices ensures reliability, scalability, and security. Here
are the core benefits:

1. Interoperability

 Web services based on open standards like SOAP or REST enable communication between
different platforms and programming languages.

2. Reusability and Modularity

 Services can be reused across multiple applications, reducing development time and fostering
consistency.
 Adopting a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) promotes modularity.

3. Scalability and Flexibility

 Web services support distributed systems, allowing seamless scaling as demand grows.
 Decoupling client and server logic enables flexibility in upgrades and changes.

4. Security

 Using secure protocols (e.g., HTTPS, WS-Security) and best practices (e.g., token-based
authentication) ensures data confidentiality and integrity.
 Built-in support for encryption and authentication mechanisms enhances trustworthiness.

5. Ease of Integration

 RESTful web services with JSON or XML payloads simplify integration with modern applications,
especially in mobile and cloud environments.

6. Standardization

 Standardized communication protocols (HTTP, XML, JSON) and data exchange formats ensure
seamless integration between disparate systems.

7. Scalability
  Stateless architecture in REST services allows systems to handle a high volume of requests
without server overload.

Best Practices for Web Services:

 Design for Statelessness: Avoid reliance on server-side state for REST services.
 Use Meaningful URIs: For REST, adopt clear and hierarchical URIs that represent resources.
 Implement Versioning: Allow backward compatibility for clients by versioning APIs.
 Secure Data Transmission: Always use SSL/TLS for sensitive data.
 Document APIs: Use tools like Swagger/OpenAPI for API documentation to improve developer
usability.
 Optimize Performance: Implement caching strategies, load balancing, and query optimization.

By following these XML and Web Services best practices, you can create robust, efficient, and secure
systems capable of seamless data exchange and service communication.
XML History, Current Trends, and the Future

History of XML

 Origins (Late 1990s):

o XML (Extensible Markup Language) was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium
(W3C) in 1998.
o It evolved from SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) to create a simpler,
more flexible markup language suited for web use.
o The primary goal was to facilitate data interchange across different platforms and
systems.
 Adoption (Early 2000s):
o XML became a cornerstone for data interchange due to its platform-agnostic nature and
human-readable format.
o It was widely adopted in web technologies such as SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)
for web services.
o Popular in document storage (e.g., DocBook, Office Open XML formats in Microsoft
Office).
 Expansion (Mid-2000s):
o XML was integrated into a variety of industries, including finance (e.g., XBRL),
publishing, and telecommunications.
o Standards like RSS, Atom, and SVG were built upon XML.

Current Trends in XML

1. Shift to JSON:
o JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) has overtaken XML in popularity for many web APIs
due to its simpler and less verbose syntax.
o However, XML remains dominant in legacy systems and industries where schema
validation is critical.
2. Role in Configuration and Data Exchange:
o XML is extensively used in configuration files (e.g., Maven's pom.xml, Android's
manifest.xml) and data exchange in specialized domains.
o Industries such as banking, healthcare, and government still rely heavily on XML (e.g.,
HL7 in healthcare, FpML in finance).
3. Document Management:
o XML is widely used for creating and managing complex documents, such as legal,
academic, and structured content publishing.
4. Integration with Modern Technologies:
o XML continues to play a role in integration with technologies like SOAP-based web
services, XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations), and XPath/XQuery
for querying.
 5. Big Data and IoT:
o XML is used for storing hierarchical data structures in big data and IoT applications
where schema definitions are essential.
6. Interoperability in Legacy Systems:
o Many enterprise and government systems still depend on XML for interoperability due
to established standards and compliance requirements.

The Future of XML

1. Continued Niche Usage:

o XML will likely continue as the preferred choice in domains where strict schema
enforcement, validation, and detailed documentation are crucial.
o Examples include finance, healthcare, legal documentation, and scientific data.
2. Integration with AI and Machine Learning:
o XML can serve as a structured data source for AI/ML models, especially in domains
where legacy systems store data in XML formats.
3. Advancements in Tools and Frameworks:
o Improved XML processing tools and libraries may reduce its verbosity and optimize its
performance for modern use cases.
4. Coexistence with JSON and YAML:
o XML will coexist with JSON and YAML, with each format serving specific use cases:
 XML: Complex hierarchical data and schema validation.
 JSON: Lightweight data exchange in web applications.
 YAML: Configuration and human-readable data representation.
5. Use in Blockchain and Decentralized Applications:
o XML could find use in blockchain for smart contract metadata or as a supplementary
format in decentralized data exchange.
6. Future Standards and Interoperability:
o Ongoing updates to XML standards, like XML 1.1 and enhancements in related
technologies (e.g., XSLT 3.0), will ensure XML remains relevant for future needs.

Conclusion

XML's structured and schema-enforced nature ensures its continued relevance in specialized industries
and legacy systems, even as newer technologies like JSON and YAML dominate the mainstream. The
future of XML lies in its ability to adapt to modern trends, including integration with big data, IoT, and
AI, while remaining indispensable for document management, configuration, and compliance-driven
industries.
Web Services: History, Current Trends, and Future

What is a Web Service?

A web service is a standardized way for two systems to communicate over a network, typically the
internet. It allows applications to interact and share data using standard protocols and formats,
irrespective of their underlying platforms or technologies.

Key Characteristics of Web Services:

1. Interoperability: Systems can communicate regardless of platform or language.

2. Standard Protocols: Commonly uses HTTP, HTTPS, SOAP, REST, and others.
3. Standard Data Formats: XML, JSON, and others for data exchange.
4. Statelessness: Each interaction is independent, enabling scalability.

Types of Web Services:

 SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol): A protocol-driven service using XML for structured data
exchange.
 REST (Representational State Transfer): An architectural style using standard HTTP methods like
GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE, often with JSON or XML payloads.

History of Web Services

1. Early Concepts (1990s):

o The idea of remote procedure calls (RPC) laid the groundwork for web services.
o Protocols like CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) and DCOM
(Distributed Component Object Model) facilitated distributed computing but were
complex and lacked interoperability.
2. Birth of SOAP (Late 1990s):
o Developed by Microsoft and IBM, SOAP emerged as a platform-independent way to
enable remote communication using XML.
o W3C standardized SOAP, making it widely adopted in enterprise systems.
3. Rise of REST (Early 2000s):
o Introduced by Roy Fielding in 2000, REST offered a simpler, lighter alternative to SOAP.
 o REST quickly gained popularity for web APIs, especially with the rise of mobile and cloud
computing.
4. Expansion of API Ecosystems (Mid-2000s):
o Companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook began offering RESTful APIs to integrate
their platforms with third-party applications.
5. Modern API Management (2010s):
o The rise of API management platforms like Apigee, AWS API Gateway, and Postman.
o The introduction of GraphQL by Facebook in 2015 provided a more flexible alternative
to REST for querying APIs.

Current Trends in Web Services

1. Microservices Architecture:
o Modern web services are built as microservices—small, independent services that
collectively form larger applications.
o Tools like Docker and Kubernetes help manage these distributed systems.
2. GraphQL:
o GraphQL is gaining traction as a query language for APIs, offering flexibility and
efficiency over traditional REST.
3. API Monetization:
o Businesses now view APIs as products, with companies offering APIs as a service for
developers to build on.
4. Hybrid Protocols:
o REST remains dominant, but technologies like gRPC (built on HTTP/2) are emerging for
high-performance, real-time communications.
5. Cloud-Native Services:
o With the rise of platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, web services are
increasingly deployed in the cloud.
6. Security Enhancements:
o Stronger authentication mechanisms like OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect.
o Zero-trust architectures for API security.
7. Serverless Computing:
o Platforms like AWS Lambda allow running web services without managing server
infrastructure.
8. Data Format Evolution:
o JSON remains the primary data format, but binary protocols like Protocol Buffers
(Protobuf) and Avro are used for performance-intensive applications.

Future of Web Services

1. AI and Machine Learning Integration:

o Web services will increasingly offer AI-as-a-Service, allowing seamless integration of
machine learning models into applications.
 2. Interoperability with IoT:
o Web services will be pivotal in connecting and managing the growing ecosystem of IoT
devices, enabling real-time data processing.
3. Decentralized Web Services:
o Blockchain-based services may emerge to enable decentralized, trustless data exchange.
4. Greater Emphasis on Security:
o Enhanced protocols for data encryption and secure communication.
o Adoption of quantum-resistant cryptographic methods to prepare for the advent of
quantum computing.
5. Low-Code and No-Code APIs:
o Tools will make it easier for non-developers to create and consume web services,
democratizing access to technology.
6. 5G and Beyond:
o With faster networks, web services will support real-time, high-volume data exchange
for applications like AR/VR, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities.
7. Standardization of Event-Driven APIs:
o Event-driven architectures will gain prominence, with web services designed to react to
real-time events and triggers.
8. Hyper-Personalization:
o APIs will leverage AI and analytics to offer more personalized user experiences.

Conclusion

Web services have evolved from simple communication tools to the backbone of modern applications.
Their history is marked by a transition from complex protocols like SOAP to simpler, more flexible
technologies like REST and GraphQL. Current trends emphasize microservices, cloud-native designs, and
enhanced security. The future promises even more integration with emerging technologies like AI, IoT,
blockchain, and quantum computing, ensuring web services remain vital to technological advancement.
XML Best Practices

Best Practice 1: Defining markup for natural language labelling

Provide a way for authors to specify the natural language of content using ITS markup, or document
equivalent legacy markup in an ITS Rules document.

Best Practice 2: Defining markup to specify text direction

Provide a way for authors to specify the direction of text using ITS markup, or document equivalent
legacy markup in an ITS Rules document.

Best Practice 3: Avoiding translatable attribute values

Do not define attribute values that will contain user readable content. Use elements for such content.

Best Practice 4: Indicating which elements and attributes should be translated

Document in an ITS Rules document which elements and attributes need to be translated, and which do
not, when this differs from the ITS defaults.

Best Practice 5: Defining markup to override translate information

Provide a way for authors to override translate defaults, using ITS markup, or document equivalent
legacy markup in an ITS Rules document.

Best Practice 6: Providing information related to text segmentation

Document in an ITS Rules document how elements should be handled with regard to segmentation.

Best Practice 7: Defining markup for ruby text

Provide a way for authors to markup ruby text using ITS markup, or document equivalent legacy markup
in an ITS Rules document.

Best Practice 8: Defining markup for notes to localizers

Provide a way for authors to specify notes for localizers using ITS markup, or document equivalent
legacy markup in an ITS Rules document.

Best Practice 9: Defining markup for unique identifiers

Provide a way for authors to assign unique identifiers to localizable elements.

Best Practice 10: Identifying terminology-related elements

Document in an ITS Rules document what elements are related to terms and term-related information.
Best Practice 11: Defining markup for specifying or overriding terminology-related information
Provide a way for authors to specify or override terminology-related information using ITS markup, or
document equivalent legacy markup in an ITS Rules document.

Best Practice 12: Working with multilingual documents

Avoid document formats that store multiple localized versions of content within the same
document.

Best Practice 13: Naming elements and attributes

Use a meaningful and non-dynamic naming scheme for your elements and attributes.
Best Practice 14: Defining a span-like element
Provide a way for authors to annotate arbitrary content using its:span or equivalent markup.

Best Practice 15: Documenting internationalization and localization features of your schema
Provide an ITS Rules document containing all the ITS rules needed to interpret legacy markup, and
identify translate, terminology and text segmentation information in your format.

Authoring XML Content

Authors of XML content should consider the following best practices:

Best Practice 16: Specifying the language of content

Specify the natural language of your content using xml:lang, or an equivalent mechanism provided by
your document format.

Best Practice 17: Specifying text directionality

Use dedicated markup to specify the directionality of your text content.

Best Practice 18: Overriding information about what should be translated

Use available markup to specify any content where the choice to translate or not is different from the
default for your schema.

Best Practice 19: Assigning unique identifiers

Assign a unique identifier to elements that correspond to segmentation boundaries.

Best Practice 20: Avoiding CDATA sections

Avoid using CDATA sections for content that will be translated.

Best Practice 21: Providing notes for localizers

Use dedicated markup to provide notes where you can communicate useful information for the localizer

Best Practice 22: Working with inserted text

Make sure that any piece of inserted text is grammatically independent of its surrounding context.

Best Practice 23: Identifying terms

Use dedicated markup to identify any terminology-related content.

Best Practice 24: Storing markup from another format

Avoid escaping markup to enable storage of markup from another format.