Conclusion
Today, we have hand tools, but no nails. A characteristic of classic
construction without nails is that it is often esthetic - as a work of
art, carefully fitted together, e.g., a Japanese Pagoda or fine cabinetry.
Unicode applications are being built today in much the same manner by skilled
artisans with minute care and attention to detail. However, tomorrow the
Unicode power tools are arriving and an exciting time of Unicode development
and growth will ensue. Future applications with Unicode support will be
created using Rapid Application Development (RAD) techniques, 4GL, and
application building tools. The time that was spent before determining
mechanics with respect to character encodings, string predicates, and font
handling will be able to be spent on overall application design. It will
take co-operation between natural rivals to get standards through and present
a common face to the public. And it is happening now. Databases, which
are a core part of enterprise application design are now already part of
that transparent Unicode future. There should be no reason today for a
database developer to shy away from pursuing the creation of Unicode enabled
applications.
