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[vj.jain]

Prior to 11g, XML storage was limited to being either CLOB (unstructured) or schema-based (structured). CLOB storage consumes large amounts of disk space and has poor relational data access. Schema-based storage is efficient for disk space and relational access, but requires substantial overhead for schema registration, schema changes, and file ingestion. Oracle 11g introduces a new storage option called “Binary XML” that combines the benefits from both CLOB and schema-based storage. Binary XML offers fast file ingestion, efficient disk space and relational access, and ease of maintenance for schema changes.

For more information about Binary XML Storage, make sure you get a copy of Oracle 11g New Features Guide by John Garmany, Steve Karam, Lutz Hartmann, V. J. Jain, and Brian Carr http://www.oracle-developer.com/oracle_11g_new_features.html