If the output of the XML code is HTML, this coding will appear when visitors to the Web site attempt to view the source of a Web page. The code will reference any style sheets in the normal HTML manner, and all of the code on the page will appear in a standard HTML format. Dell decided to move its external Web site to an XML-based format for a host of different reasons. Information can be Adjusted for Different Customers Foremost, the Dell Web site is primarily an e-commerce site. Because it caters to many different customers, information on the site must be relevant to meet the needs of general Dell customers as well as those who need specific information.
Some information is the same regardless of where it exists on the site.
For example, headers and footers, and other visual elements that are found on the site are relatively consistent, with some minor changes depending on their specific location. These elements can be captured in XML and then subtly changed, depending on the requirements for specific pages to meet the needs of particular customers. Another benefit of XML is illustrated in the sentence example above. Because Dell is an international company dealing with a host of different countries, Web pages must be produced in a myriad of different languages and styles. XML allows developers to create a central repository of information and then make changes to the presentation of that information based on their customers' different needs.