Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
consumers to only the most recent topics or those within a particular sub-
ject area. The concept behind the Really Simple Syndication (RSS) format
is to create a method for publishing the electronic equivalent of headlines
using the XML data standard. For an example, see Figure 6.9.
An RSS web feed might provide details on hot topics, user-interest sto-
ries, or even standard news headlines. Many popular news and informa-
tion sites publish multiple RSS feeds, each targeted to a specific audience
or topic area. Because these feeds provide only limited detail, a user can
easily review a large number of potential items to identify those of spe-
cific interest for further inquiry. Within an organization, RSS feeds can
be used to publish upcoming events, action items, changes to policy, and
employee newsletter items.
Although RSS XML data is human-readable, an RSS feed reader cli-
ent can present headlines for quick review and item access (see Figure
6.10). Clicking on a headline within the feed reader client will initiate a
Web browser session with the linked Internet resource.
Figure 6.10
Various news source feeds are displayed using simple feed read-
ers on the user desktop.
