title: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using XML schemas?
body: <p>We are utilizing the XML data type in Microsoft SQL Server 2005 for a project. Some members of the team and I feel that we should also use XSDs while members of the other camp feel that we should keep the XMLs ad hoc and not treat them as "types".</p>
  
  <p>The XMLs are an effort to bring structure and centrality to a number of text configuration files that are a maintenance nightmare.</p>
  
  <p>We are using .NET 3.5/C# and our tables are designed with the appropriate data types.
  My argument is that we are already "types oriented" in our thinking why break that approach because it is XML. It is because of the lack of types with the text files that the original problem occured. Not using a "types" approach leaves us open to the same problem.</p>
  
  <p>May be my understanding of the benefits of XML schemas are incorrect.
  So what are the advantages and disadvantages of using XML schemas?</p>