It looks like it's a good time to be an XML software vendor. CNET reports that webMethods hopes to raise $45 million in its IPO.

The CNET article tips webMethods to be "one of the more successful public offerings in early 2000". Although currently making a loss, webMethods saw revenues go from $166,000 in 1998 to $4.5 million in 1999.

Other companies have not been slow to recognise the huge potential of the XML market. Object Design, makers of eXcelon, have this week renamed their company eXcelon Corp, and have refocused their product strategy on XML servers rather than their previous object DBMS emphasis.

• XML.com has a report on eXcelon Corp's name change.
• Infoworld has a story on RosettaNet's successful "EConcert Readiness Day".