XML technology planning database: lessons learned

A hierarchical extensible markup language (XML) database called XCALIBR (XML capability analysis library) has been developed by the new millennium program to assist in technology return on investment (ROI) analysis and technology portfolio optimization. The database contains mission requirements and technology capabilities, which are related by use of an XML dictionary. The XML dictionary codifies a standardized taxonomy for space missions, systems, subsystems and technologies. In addition to being used for ROI analysis, the database is being examined for use in project planning, tracking and documentation. During the past year, the database has moved from development into alpha testing. This paper describes the lessons learned during construction and testing of the prototype database and the motivation for moving from an XML taxonomy to a standard XML-based ontology.