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Two new technical reports (TRs) have been circulated internationally for comment. One adds "Native COBOL Syntax for XML Support" and the other adds "Collection Classes". A technical report is like a "trial standard" - it allows for feedback from implementors and users before a feature is standardized. Changes can be made based on the feedback, so in this way it differs from a standard. TRs go through a formal international voting process similar to the process used for approval of a standard. Both TRs are scheduled for final approval and publication in 2006, although the publication date could be sooner or later depending on the comments received during the review. These TRs will probably be incorporated in the next standard. They are available at http://www.cobolportal.com/j4. Comments must be sent to Don.Schricker@microfocus.com before March 21, 2005 in order to be considered during the formation of the U.S. position on these TRs. Other national bodies control their own process for determining their ballot responses on these TRs. The next COBOL standard is well on its way. The initial draft will be circulated internationally for comments by the summer of 2005. Publication of the approved standard is scheduled for 2008. The draft standard includes the following new features:
In case you have not seen it yet, the most recent COBOL standard was approved by ISO in September 2002 and published in December 2002. A list of its new features can be found by clicking the link on the left labeled "Description of new features in PDF format." Copies of the standard can be obtained from ISO, your national member body of ISO or for $18 from ANSI. The type 2 Technical Report "Object Finalization for Programming Language COBOL" was approved in May 2003 and is available from ISO. Suggestions, comments, and requests for interpretation should be sent to Don.Schricker@MicroFocus.com |
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