This is one most interestingly targeted books you'll find on SQL Server 2000 yet. It is a straight-forward approach to two topics -- XML and WMI -- that have yet to get much helpful documentation. I've found this book good overall, but like the Author's other book "ActivePerl with ASP and ADO," the depth of some of the materal is "no-frills." I think this book makes a great complement to some other XML and SQL Server titles because it ties these topics together in one neat, easy and quick to read package. If you need depth, consider combining this with other related titles.