Advantages of XML and XML-related technologies:
  - Open standards: defined by W3C, vendor-neutral
 
  - Many existing programs, libraries and tools available, many
  OpenSource
 
  - Less chance of obvious errors (ambiguous syntax, lack of
    internationalization)
 
XML only a tool. Software designers have to use it right.
This presentation: http://www.w3.org/Talks/2001/0427-XML-Havana