I've put a fair amount of thinking into the problem (opportunity) of XML and
Web devices. For experimental purposes, I began work with wrapping an X.10
device automation interface (X.10 is a late 70s standard for very simple
device automation over AC wiring) with a tag wrapper. The proof of concept
actually worked. You can check out the custom tag which enables this at the
following site; search for "X10":
http://www.allaire.com/TagGallery/
X.10 already has a concept of loading device activity profiles (essentially
schedules, in fact very close to CDF in terms of the kind of data required).
A next-generation "over the wire protocol" -- CEBus -- promises to enable
much richer forms of device automation and profiling, and I would surmise
that XML will be a pretty important enabler. I'm betting on it.
Jeremy Allaire