Although XML is very popular in data exchange applications, it is not in prevalent use for Web site and content management. Many of the tools, training, and other infrastructure for this use are not in place. CTG’s XML Toolkit Web site at http://www.thexmltooklit.org was created as a result of the Testbed to address the need for XML tools, training, and guidelines. The problem, even for individuals and organizations convinced that XML is appropriate for their organization’s Web site management, is that they may have no idea how to implement it on a practical level in their environment. “It would be nice to know of other state agencies that have used XML in a similar way,” said one Testbed member.

This continues to be a problem, even though as XML usage grows, more resources are slowly appearing. Successful organizational experiences can, to a certain extent, mitigate this barrier. One of the respondents explained, “We’re pretty convinced that XML isn’t just the flavor of the month so I don’t think that’s an issue. And the fact that [another] system [in our organization] is built in XML and has been tremendously successful really mitigates that as an issue.”

Likewise, there is at this point a relatively small set of training offerings (online or classroom) that specifically address the use of XML for Web site and content management. Adequate training is always a major issue when implementing any organizational change, especially technical and cross-departmental changes. This absence continues to be a problem, although more training offerings are slowly appearing (both online and in classrooms) as XML usage grows. One program staff member explained, “As it stands right now, we have too many different areas doing different things. So it’s hard to train everybody on everything.”