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The Next Great Software Platform

Michael J. Miller
 & Michael J. Miller Former Editor in Chief

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    Buying Guide: The Next Great Software Platform

    Michael J. Miller - Forward Thinking

    Contents

    I'm convinced that Web services will ignite a new class of applications that will be easier for businesses to develop and maintain. They'll be based on XML for data descriptions, SOAP for communications, and UDDI for finding services. Lately, I've seen significant progress toward that goal.

    This month, Microsoft will deliver Windows Server 2003, the centerpiece of its .NET initiative. It has also launched a large beta test for Office 2003, which will be significantly enhanced by XML integration. The software will also include an XML document and forms application called InfoPath. You can read more about it in this issue's First Looks.Sun ONE

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    Meanwhile, Sun has announced Project Orion, a plan for packaging all its software—including many of the building blocks of its Web services vision called Sun ONE—into a series of quarterly releases. BEA Systems just announced new versions of its WebLogic platform, designed to integrate its development tools and middleware more effectively. And open-source Web services tools such as JBoss and Tomcat are moving forward as well.

    All this work on new tools and platforms is a sign that the next generation of Web services and Internet-based applications isn't too far away.

    About Our Expert

    Michael J. Miller

    Michael J. Miller

    Former Editor in Chief

    Michael J. Miller is chief information officer at Ziff Brothers Investments, a private investment firm. From 1991 to 2005, Miller was editor-in-chief of PC Magazine,responsible for the editorial direction, quality, and presentation of the world's largest computer publication. No investment advice is offered in this column. All duties are disclaimed. Miller works separately for a private investment firm which may at any time invest in companies whose products are discussed, and no disclosure of securities transactions will be made.

    Until late 2006, Miller was the Chief Content Officer for Ziff Davis Media, responsible for overseeing the editorial positions of Ziff Davis's magazines, websites, and events. As Editorial Director for Ziff Davis Publishing since 1997, Miller took an active role in helping to identify new editorial needs in the marketplace and in shaping the editorial positioning of every Ziff Davis title. Under Miller's supervision, PC Magazine grew to have the largest readership of any technology publication in the world. PC Magazine evolved from its successful PCMagNet service on CompuServe to become one of the earliest and most successful web sites.

    As an accomplished journalist, well versed in product testing and evaluating and writing about software issues, and as an experienced public speaker, Miller has become a leading commentator on the computer industry. He has participated as a speaker and panelist in industry conferences, has appeared on numerous business television and radio programs discussing technology issues, and is frequently quoted in major newspapers. His areas of special expertise include the Internet and its applications, desktop productivity tools, and the use of PCs in business applications. Prior to joining PC Magazine, Miller was editor-in-chief of InfoWorld, which he joined as executive editor in 1985. At InfoWorld, he was responsible for development of the magazine's comparative reviews and oversaw the establishment of the InfoWorld Test Center. Previously, he was the west coast bureau chief for Popular Computing, and senior editor for Building Design & Construction. Miller earned a BS in computer science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York and an MS in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He has received several awards for his writing and editing, including being named to Medill's Alumni Hall of Achievement

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