Hi,

[snip]

> AFAUI, first thing that is needed to be done in this direction is a
> clear specification of features to be implemented. I can write it and
> open it for discussion. Suggestions ?

Yes (from a non core engine developer).

My diploma thesis (two years ago; written in German) discussed the XML
integration in RDBMS in general, with showing different storage strategies
of (semi)-structured data in a relational schema for example, and an evaluation
of XML capabilities in different (Object)-Relational DBMS like MSSQL 2000,
DB 2 and Oracle 8i.

When talking about XML support/integration in a (object)relational database,
the following resource is a "must-read". http://www.rpbourret.com/

Especially:
http://www.rpbourret.com/xml/index.htm
http://www.rpbourret.com/xml/XMLAndDatabases.htm
http://www.rpbourret.com/xml/XMLDatabaseProds.htm

Very useful.

Regards,
Thomas.